RE: Item number 170151417162
I too have written this seller for a detailed photo of the bottom bracket and have not received anything yet. But the seller does seem to be making an effort to list the bike honestly, so I don't think there's anything shady going on.
As for it being a Masi, I thing there are enough details in the current photos to confirm that... fork crown, seat stay bridge, lug windows, squared contours on the rear dropout.
The solo decal on the downtube, the
front-facing palmares boxes on the seat
tube bands and the missing chainstay
decals are typical of 1979 production
so I think it's safe to assume that's
when the repaint and brazeons were done.
The only other time the solo decal was
used was on Carlsbad track bikes or by
special request (as on Jerry Ash's road
bike). The only thing I find curious is
that the shifter brazeons are too low.
>> For early US Masis, I understand
that serial numbers were not always shown
on the frame.
This is an old rumor that doesn't want to die. It's just not true. I have photo documentation of about 150 Carlsbad bikes (about eight percent of total production) and in my experience a Carlsbad without a serial number is almost unheard of. I've only seen maybe two or three frames without some sort of BB stamp and at least one of those was a frame repair where it probably had been filed out. One was a NY Trade Show bike. There are also two (Masi employee) frames I'm aware of with the owner's birth date in lieu of a serial number. Then there is a small group of subcontracted frames that have no serial numbers, only a frame size with no "M" prefix (I've seen five of these so far). My guess is they were built after Carlsbad closed and before Rob's production at the Ranch began.... they all have an unusual fork bend that was obviously not done on the Carlsbad jig and stamps of a different size than Carlsbad used.
Still too early to tell about this black bike on eBay. I think the owner should not have relisted the bike before doing more research, because in replacing the 73 date with a 76 date, he's just substituting one guess for another. And at this point, I'm not even sure he went the right way... judging by the fork crown, there's a possibility the bike's not even a Carlsbad, it could be a '71 Italian.
Bob Hovey Columbus GA USA
Ken Freeman Writes:
I have a 1980 Masi that has the same downtube decals. Masi having been what it was, it's just hard to establish history in a definitive way. The best assessment I've gotten, working with several 'Listers who are prime Masi-istis, is that at times the painters left off the flag section, and for some special geometries they were left off. Perhaps this is to distinguish the special frame from the standard (i.e. geometry in accordance with the model frames) items. The assessment is also that mine is actually a Masi from California.
One frustration I have with this listing is that the pictures show very few of the frame features that would allow me, at least, to see the signs of Masi frame design and construction. Anyone who scammed or duplicated a set of decals could perhaps have gussied-up a different frame as a faux-Masi. The parts are certainly in the correct ballpark, but there were many "full-Campy" bikes sold in those days.
For early US Masis, I understand that serial numbers were not always shown on the frame.
The seller's tone seems genuine and I mean to cast no aspersions on him or his bike, but it is hard for me to see what it really is. I wouldn't be surprised if he finds it difficult to answer your questions, Masi history being still as questionable as it is, despite the heroic efforts of some of our prominent 'Listers.
Not my size, so I'm not a bidder.
Best regards,
Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI USA
Steve Shaw Writes:
The? supposed 73 Masi is now relisted as a 76 with pretty much the same description.? ( Item number 170151417162).? Has anyone seen a pic of the bottom bracket or know the serial number of this bike.? I've asked the seller but not received any info and I'm getting suspicious about it.? Why does the sticker on the downtube say Masi instead of Masi Gran Criterium.? Is this a California Masi or not?
Steve Shaw Millbury, MA
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