Andy_K 

I've been trying to follow social distancing rules very scrupulously, but sometimes an opportunity presents itself that tempts you to push the boundaries of propriety. Such an occasion presented itself this week. Those of you who are on the Classic Rendezvous list probably saw Bob Freeman's Bikes in a Barn post. I would have missed it, but gugie , being a good enabler, forwarded it to me and was sure to highlight the fact that most of the bikes were 55-57cm. Well, I was already about two bikes over capacity in my garage, but this was too good to pass up. A few e-mails later and I was on my way to Monroe, Washington to pick up a bike. And since I was going anyway, I agreed to pick one up for someone else from Portland. And it happens that I had recently seen a Facebook listing for a third bike that I thought was pretty reasonably priced and since I was going to be passing through....

Long story short, the back of my SUV soon looked like this:



I felt like a smuggler bringing these back to Oregon. And, finally, a non-annoying use of the phrase "let's unpack that."



The big score for me in this was a 1974 Masi Gran Criterium, serial number 119 from the Carlsbad plant.



I'm pretty sure it's been repainted, and a previous owner has done me the favor of adding a few nice bits like a second set of water bottle mounts. I'm not sure brazing a pump peg onto the lug was a good idea, but there it is. It isn't clear to me whether the shifter braze-ons were original or not. Most of the California GC's I've seen had clamp on shifters. In any event, the paint on this bike is beautiful with just a few scrapes.

The bike I schlepped back to Portland for someone else was also on my list, but he got in dibs ahead of me. It's a 70's Alex Singer.



You can find more detail pics of that one in Bob's album.

Finally, the one I picked up just because I was in the neighborhood is a 1985 Performance Superbe.



The price on this seemed pretty good just for the Superbe Pro components (shifters, brakes, brake levers, derailleurs and hubs). The Tange #1 frameset is a bonus, though it has a significant dent in the top tube. I feel like this is the poster bike for deflated value due to brand snobbery -- SunTour components, Tange tubing, and Performance Bike branding of a well-made Japanese frame.

Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know that while the cream of the crop has already been grabbed, there are still some fantastic bikes available. Here's the link again to the bikes that were seeking new homes:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/837910...57714002745668

Send me a PM if something catches your eye and I can give you some contact info. Both Singers and both Cinellis have been sold, as has the bare Masi frame. So, it's down to just a dregs like the Richard Sachs, the Ti De Rosa, and the 753 Merckx. Bottom scrapings!

I'll post some more detail pics, including drive side photos soon.

Wildwood 

Thank goodness - all too small.

Congrats on the successful trip.

Andy_K 

Lucky you!

My first response to gugie was, "Damn it, man! Where am I supposed to put all those bikes?" I don't think there was a single bike in the lot that I didn't at least consider making an offer on. If I had the money I'd be shopping for a storage solution today.

Spaghetti Legs 

Dang, my size. Glad I didn’t know about that. Nice work Andy!

Andy_K 

More pics

rccardr 

Yeah, that Masi was the only one I was really Jones’n over. Glad you got it!

Andy_K 

Lascauxcaveman 

Ditto!

RiddleOfSteel

Great finds and gorgeous Masi!

3speedslow

Nice haul! Too bad the dent on the Performance frame is right under the cable guide. Makes rolling an expensive option.

USAZorro

Glad they went to a good home.

I had an itch for the Herse, but it was a might large, and timing wasn't great, and you would have gotten it anyway (proximity and, immediacy). I've never ridden an Italian bike from the era, but I did write and post a poem about Masiphilia on CR about 12 years ago. I'm certain they're nice bikes, but I stubbornly cling to belief that I've ridden (and have) bikes that ride just as competently, while (I will admit) lacking a hair in panache and refinement.

Yes, there's a small hint of jealousy, but when this scourge passes, I look forward to riding one of my nice rides alongside one of yours.

Andy_K 

Yeah, there’s also bubbling around the cable guides. That’s what’s frustrating me with this one — it’s very close to being in very good condition but the problems won’t be easy to fix. If I can find a good match for touch up paint I might try body filler for the dent.

imakecircles

Nice collection of bikes and quite handy to have such a space for storing them! I was wondering if there was a story behind the numerous PowerBar stickers all gracing the top tubes of some of the various bikes.

Andy_K 

The Performance bike is a perfect example of this. Better components, high quality butted tubing, and well made. I expect it will ride just as well as the Masi and shift better. Yet I got t for about 1/7 the price and in a “collection” it would be in the “why are you keeping that” category.

gugie 

Andy, all I can say is you're welcome.

SurferRosa

Is it a thing that you could drill behind it and tap it out? Seems too nice of a bike to leave it. It would be a fun bike to rebuild/refurbish if you could fix it without damaging much paint.

gugie 

Andy, here's the solution you're looking for, courtesy of Bob Freeman:

gugie 

Every once in awhile I see someone thinking about this. My answer: bikes are not sheet metal on cars. Steel tubing is structural, drilling holes in it to pull it out maybe isn't the best thing to do. The proper fix is to roll out the dent, then fill it. Hardwood blocks drilled to the diameter of the tube with a forstner bit, then cut in two and you've got frame blocks. Clamp it around the dent with a vice and roll it back and forth. Fill JB Weld, carefully sand it down, then touch up paint.

Or just leave the dent, it's cosmetic only.

Andy_K 

Can I get the contents of that particular container with it?

Andy_K 

If I went that route, I'd need you to remove the cable guide and braze it back on when I was done. I'm not sure the frame is that nice.

gugie 

For my publicist, no problem.

Drillium Dude 

Here's an inexpensive (and appropriate) solution to the top tube dent: Old School Sticker



Here to help

DD

Andy_K 

I think the dent looks better.

SurferRosa

Looked closer, and it appears to be on the nds. I think just jb weld, sand, and a nice looking Campagnolo decal over it.

3speedslow

The frame and fork reminds me of an 86 Centurion Ironman.