Re: [CR] Workmanship on Masi USA frames

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

From: "kevin sayles" <kevinsayles@tiscali.co.uk>
To: Michael Howard <95rivieramike@gmail.com>, <john@os2.dhs.org>
References: <ccc.623b76f2.384db270@aol.com> <7543b4a40912061750v78f7208saf67dd4003cab825@mail.gmail.com> <1260154213.4b1c6d6589ec0@www.mrrabbit.net> <4B22C484.4090400@os2.dhs.org> <68924d350912111600y7dd56113vb48c7e7a7719892a@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <68924d350912111600y7dd56113vb48c7e7a7719892a@mail.gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:48:23 +0000
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Workmanship on Masi USA frames


Hi Mike,

I'd agree with you on saying the later frames, or should I say frames that are being made nowadays are far superior in finishing detail than the original classic frames of the day...be it Masi, Colnago, or like my recently aquired Bianchi.......

My 1964 Specialissima is a lovely frame, and I'm thrilled to have one......I should point out this is the first time I've gone out of my way to own a frame I haven't made myself!........but the actual 'finish' of the frame is pretty crude.......I don't think I've ever produced a frame with so many file marks left visible!......it really is rough [as rough as a bears arse..as we used to say!] but to 'go over and improve' the frame would be totaly wrong, much better to keep it as it is and love it for what it is.......file marks and all.

Cheers
Kevin Sayles
Bridgwater Somerset UK


----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Howard <95rivieramike@gmail.com>
To: john@os2.dhs.org
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2009 12:00 AM
Subject: Re: [CR] Workmanship on Masi USA frames



> Yes I worked at Masi with the original crew in 1974 and went back in late
> 75
> until 77. In my opinion our workmanship was better than the Italian Masi's
> at that time. I may be biased but we all felt we had to be better to prove
> ourselves to the American market.
>
> Mike Howard
> La Mirada CA
>
> On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 2:15 PM, John Thompson
> <johndthompson@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> mrrabbit@mrrabbit.net wrote:
>>
>> > Just out of curiousity - who else on CR worked at Masi, CA USA during
>> > the
>> era
>> > in question?
>>
>> Joe Starck did in the 80s. Perhaps Mike Howard as well?
>>
>> --
>>
>> -John Thompson (john@os2.dhs.org)
>> Appleton WI USA