Masi Gran Criterium - Fixed Gear

The Masi name is associated with classic Italian bikes. Their history is a bit confusing, especially in more recent times. Started in the 1930s, Faliero Masi build bicycle frames in Milan, Italy. Eventually he built the frames of many top racers, including Eddie Merckx.

In the early 1970's, Faliero sold the Masi name to a US based company and he set up a shop in southern California. One of his Italian frame builder, Mario Confente, initially oversaw the new shop. Over the next several years, several different frame builders produced frames for Masi. My frame was most likely built by Dave Moulton or Ted Kirkbride, who ran the company starting in the late 1970's.

During the same time period that Masi California was building bikes, Alberto Masi, Faliero son, continued to produce bikes in Italy in the same shop where his father had built bikes. Today, both Masi and Milano bikes claim to be the rightful heir to the "Masi" mystique. Several versions of Masi's history can be found on the manufacturers' sites, and on the Masi Lore and Sheldon Brown's web sties.

When I purchased this bike, it was built with a full Campagnolo Nuovo Record grouppo. The components and frame were both in excellent condition. I debated on whether to leave the bike as it was, update to modern 9-speed components, or convert it to a fixed gear. In the end the fixed gear conversion won out, and that is how the bike is built today.

Better photos will be posted soon.

- el