[CR]Italian vs. Carlsbad Masis

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

From: <jeff-arg@bizwi.rr.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 6:46:47 -0500
Subject: [CR]Italian vs. Carlsbad Masis

I recently restored two Masis side by side, one a 1971 Italian bike, the other a 1974 twin plate fork Carlsbad bike. Detailed pictures of both finished bikes can be seen on Wooljersey if you search Masi or Jeff Pyzyk's Bikes.

I had both frames striped down to bare metal, side by side. I am very sad to say I neglected to take pictures. It would have been a fascinating study to settle the question as to which had the superior build quality. In my view, the Carlsbad-made frame was superior, hands down.

It just looked to me like about twice as many hours were spent on the Carlsbad bike than on the Italian bike. Lugs were thinner on the Carlsbad bike, brazing was better, seat stay caps sharper, tubes mitered more precisely within the bottom bracket shell, etc.

Yes, these young builders were learning their craft, but under the watchful eye of a couple of the world's greatest builders. And given relatively low labor costs, time was obviously given to do the job right.

Jeff Pyzyk
Milwaukee, WI