Re: [CR] Mario Confente & Masi USA

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

In-Reply-To: <mailman.754.1270786191.10037.classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References:
From: "John" <torup@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 11:10:48 -0700
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Mario Confente & Masi USA


Chuck H is correct that Masi was a production shop. In my visits there, in 1975, workers would bring up work for his review. At that time Mario was also working on a slow but steady series of builds he was keeping to himself.

It was fun to see investment casting wax patterns sitting on his work table, this was before they made it into production.

The White Special build bike that Peter Gilbert has and took to Cirque last year is truly unique. I saw it then, and wished I had the funds for one similar.

As to attributes that proclaim Mario, I think one has to look at the frame set as a whole. Columbus tubing is just one, but not exclusive. Columbus tubing was an upcharge, and described as not as forgiving a Reynolds to fabricate.

Paint is a thin and questionable marker.

John Jorgensen
Torrance Ca USA.