There was at least one other clearcoated Masi done about the same time, sinc e repainted and now part of the Rydjor collection (#0141, the one on eBay is #0343).
http://bhovey.com/
Original listing at Rydjor:
http://collection.rydjor.com/
As Brian said, these clearcoated bikes usually don't last long. I wonder if the sandblasted finish Brian mentions may be the reason this one is still i ntact... seems like it'd give the surface better adhesion. What do you thin k, Brian?
I am curious about the seller's comments that the bike was built to commemor ate the Bicentennial. The date is certainly in the ballpark, but I wonder i f the seller makes this assertion because of reliable information, or on the basis of the stars and stripes seat tube bands... I've heard the Bicentenni al thing before because of these bands, it is a common (incorrect) assumptio n.
Bob Hovey Columbus, GA
Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/
Todd,
Interesting bike. Every so often builders will do a clearcoated bike
for the show. There is one. Too bad it's sandblasted as opposed to
hand sanded like would normally be done. I'm surprised it has lasted
this long with just clear over steel. Generally it goes south, unless
done with clear powdercoat or special musical instrument lacquer,
which I know this one wasn't.
Let's see what happens to this one.......
BTW, there was a Masi Dealer bike shop in Anchorage; I suspect it was
originally purchased through the dealer. Possibly Ted K. will have the
records for that bike. Since I'm planning a visit to Ted soon, maybe I
can check it out. Need the serial number.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA