Masi Gran Criterium Sammontana

Description

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Faliero Masi (Sesto Fiorentino 1908- Milan 2000) learns to build tailor-made racing bikes as an apprentice at the “Compostrini” workshop in Sesto Florentino. He has a past as bicycle racer, also participates in the 1931 and 1932 Giro d’Italia. Then opens a shop in Sesto Fiorentino in 1949. He is called to Milan by Viscontea, of which he becomes the head of the Corse Department. In 1952 he moved his bike manufacturing business to Milan, almost immediately inside the Vigorelli velodrome. In the 1950s he was the first mechanic of the Nivea-Fuchs team led by F. Magni; second mechanic is E. Colnago. It is called “the tailor” for the ability to make custom-made frames. In 1972, Faliero sold the Masi brand to a consortium in California (to produce a Gran Criterium model for the United States). Faliero’s intention was to move to work in the US, but some disagreements and the dissatisfaction for the American life-style brought him back to Italy. The American “Masi” is based in California, originally in Carlsbad (entrusted to Mario Confente), then to Rancho Santa Fe, then to San Marcos. In Milan the activity it was continued by his son Alberto. The Masi are among the most sought after bicycles by collectors from around the world. Many racers and champions bicycles were made by Masi, although the labels then applied to the frames were those of the manufacturers-massive brands that were targeting the mass market and were sponsoring the team. Masi frames were used by F. Coppi, F. Magni, L. Bobet, M. Poblet, R. Rivière, Antonio Maspes (of whom Faliero was the mechanic of trust), R. Van Looy, G. Nencini, J. Anquetil (who on a Masi at Vigorelli in 1959 establishes the Record of the hour), V. Adorni and Eddy Merckx.

The bike presented has been restored respecting the original. Unfortunately the state of the painting did not allow its recovery, so it was decided to repaint it with its yellow livery of the Sammontana team as it had been produced. Fit a Campagnolo New Record. Handlebar and 3ttt pantographed Sammontana handlebar. Cinelli Unicanitor saddle. Nisi rims. The seat tube and brake levers are pantographed by Masi.The bike is ready to ride.