Contigo

I've watched a certain mid-70s Carlsbad Masi GC on a well-known auction site for a few weeks. It's a 64 cm frame and the seller seems to know the history of the bike very well. It appears to be all-original, including finish and components. Almost a little too original, at least for anyone who would want to adapt the bike for regular riding. Fiamme ergals, 5-speed rear, etc., would probably require some thought.

I don't know if it is permissible to post a link to the auction? If not, it's easily found, and I'm a little surprised that the bike hasn't been discussed here already.

He's asking just a bit less than $4,000. I can't fault the bike, but what's the consensus on value? Sticker shock, obviously, but beyond that...?

I have no affiliation whatsoever with the seller. Thanks for any insights.

rccardr 

Nice bike. VERY optimistic price.

Kactus

Very nice but VERY overpriced IMO. Although the seller says otherwise, the RD appears to be a replacement.

3alarmer 

...I own and ride (sometimes) one of those in a smaller size. I cannot imagine a world where it would be worth that asking price.
But it's only the asking price, and it might just be there to see what sort of offers come in, with some idea it might get a lucky hit in a world where plastic Di2 bikes go for 5 thousand.

BlueDevil63 

I do a fair business flipping GCs (have flipped 6 or 7 of them). I can regularly get $2000-2500 for good quality, very original examples from the Italian or early Cali years. But $4000? No way.

Contigo

I think you have to conclude that he doesn't particularly want to sell it. Which of course is fine.

BlueDevil63 

It's a nice bike in great shape but overpriced relative to the normal selling price for these. But...

It is Ebay and anything can happen. Maybe someone who is very tall and very desperate for a Cali Masi?

I once had an early 80s Bianchi Super Leggera. Very nice bike. Would have expected to sell it for around $2000. Had a guy from Dubai offer me $4000 off of my Flickr pictures. He wanted exactly that bike to ride in Eroica. I sold it.

cb400bill

Pic Assist

repechage

It is not from 1976, but middle 1975, which is good as Mr. Confente was still overseeing and working there.
Appears to have the Fischer fork crown, and be of Reynolds which is most typical.
Big bike, big price. Tall guys usually get a discount as they are cheap.
I suspect it has the investment cast lugs.
As it sits with the non original build, half of what he is asking, tops.
One item that is often discounted more than it should be is original paint. Cannot say for sure but this appears original, a definite plus.

Chombi1 

Agree, it will never sell for the $4K asking, but more like half of that, max. Large size hurts the value a bit, unless one finds enough tall people to bid against each other for it......

Contigo

What are you seeing as non-original? He seems to portraying this as a time capsule, with the painted cable crimps and all.

rando_couche

There have been a few other CA GCs, 62-64cm (my size range), on the same site for about half that price in the past few weeks. 4 grand is not "optimistic", it's delusional.

SP
OC, OR

3alarmer 

...did anyone else notice that the brake cables are reversed, motorcycle style ?

Kactus

Rear Derailleur should be dated '73 (according to Bob Hovey, all Carlsbad GC's used '73 components) and rims should be Martano tubular rims (he may have special ordered something else).

Contigo

Fascinating the detailed knowledge some have. I'm interested in the bike, and would love a tall GC. But that price only seems justifiable if this thing is granted some kind of icon status and if the buyer will perpetuate the same.

For me, it would have to become a rider. That probably means new stem, maybe bars, definitely new rims. And then the principle of substitution says that there's lots of ways I could blow even $2,000 and get something just as interesting as a rider and not worry about "destroying" the value I paid for by replacing the Campy gray brake housing, or some other such minutiae.

It is still fun to watch, though. We need a Bring a Trailer for bikes.

repechage

Lots, as stated, the rims and tires, should be Martano rims with Clement Criterium Seta tires.
The pedals are exchanged and upgraded, the toe straps are an exchange, should have Yellow Alfredo Binda straps shortened, folded over and riveted closed at the end for ease of tugging on.
Handlebar tape, should be white cloth on this bike, the handlebar plugs white by Hunt-Wilde.
Waterbottle cage should be steel TA brand. Bike came with an ALE custom printed Masi Gran Criterium waterbottle.
Cannot say every, but most Carlsbad Masi of the period had a painted to match frame fit pump, with no clip required, MASI hot foil stamped below the Silca herald. Even if they did not have the right length, the foil stamping should be there.
The freewheel and chain should be Everest brand.

BTW, the original painted cable crimp ends are very short sections of tubing, ovalized closed, no termination, think short cuff.
Many don't get this right.

Now, often these bikes left the selling bike shop modified in some way- the rims are later. It appears in good overall condition, but not an original time capsule.