Hi Gang, I'm wondering if anyone here can shed some light on the ordering procedures of Masi bikes that came from the Vigorelli in the pre-Carlsbad era. I know a couple of you Masi-stas made the pilgrimmage to 19 Via Arona to purchase bikes in the 60's and 70's... Essentially, I'm wondering what sorts of "custom" options (if any) might have been available to the general public...Or was this type of order only available to pros? How far did "the tailor" go to offer custom builds to customers? Was it simply a case of ordering, say, a 56cm Gran Crit in champagne, paying a deposit and then either awaiting shipment or coming back for a pick up some time in the future? Or was custom paint ever available straight from the shop? Decal options? Were braze-ons ever available on custom bikes before they were standard on "off the peg"/production models? Can anyone recall when shifter bosses and bb cable guides might have first become available as custom options? Or should I assume that any annomalies are more than likely signs of a re-paint some time in the bike's history? Or maybe a transition year build? Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Matthew Bowne (Who brought something home last night, became a member of an elite club and is REALLY looking forward to a quick clean and overhaul before heading south on Friday for Le Cirque!) Brooklyn, New York