[CR] Mystery CaliMasi

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: <Carb7008@cs.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:15:48 -0400
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Mystery CaliMasi


Well, I've been obsessing with my new/old '78 CaliMasi these past couple of weeks. Searching for provenance til bleary-eyed and late-for-work, I entered the murky underworld of post-Carlsbad / pre-San Marcos as a neophyte where there are many opinions, some first-hand, and few traceable facts. I guess this is what is sometimes referred to as the Masi Mystique...Masi Mania more like it! Thanks to Bob Hovey for his Masi site and my continued sanity (in areas other than bikes).

Including the period-correct (7100, EX mix) DuraAce group, most details checked-out indicating authentic. I did have a scare when I found a rifled steerer-tube but later found this indicates Columbus...better still?, maybe.

My dilemma now is whether to rebuild with (possibly original) DuraAce or period-correct NR thats screaming to get married....any suggestions? Also, anyone else know, seen or heard of originally DuraAce-equipped late-70s Masi GCs?

I won't go into the "whose the builder" waters other than to suggest a comprehensive study of fork-rakes might help. This fork's steerer / crown junction is the most seamless I have ever seen...probably on-par with custom builders.

Jack Romans
Sacramento, CA