Good question, right? Answer: a Masi made by Mario Confente for Alberto Masi himself. Here is the recipe. Take one part Confente, mix liberally with some Alberto. Combine with thinned lugs and some nice REYNOLDS (not a typo), place in jig, braze and file for several days, and then:

1971 Confente Built Masi

As the story goes, this Masi was built by Confente to “in 1971 with my [Alberto Masi's] sizes.”   So how do we know such a thing? Well, a letter provided by the man himself tells all the details:

Letter of Authentication

The text reads:

“I declare that this frame Masi Gran Criterium was made by Mario Confente in 1971 with my sizes. The frame was showed at Fiera Ciclo e Motociclo Milano in 1971. Milano 18.02.2010. Alberto Masi.”

A very short yet concise phrase that would have the authors of the MLA Style Manual waving their fingers frantically shouting “shown, SHOWN!”.

But does it matter really? The letter says it all. A frame built by Mario Confente, for Alberto Masi with the purpose of showing it at a trade show. So, not only is it built by a master for a master, but it’s a one of a kind, non-production model made specifically to wow the audiences of a trade show. It’s somewhat akin to the Bruce Gordon everyone drools over at NAHBS, but one zillion times cooler and more rare.

Speaking of trade shows, inside the well packed shipping box (which took about 20 minutes to unwrap) was this photo:

Photo of unfinished frame at the Fiera Ciclo e Motociclo Milano, 1971

The frame itself is a sight to see up close. The lugwork is impeccable, points thinned to almost nothing. Windows, paint fill-ins. Every little detail thought out and executed with amazing perfection.  It clearly shows the signs of a builder with a true gift. It’s one thing to wax poetic on some internet forum about the tragic story of Confente and what a genius he was, but quite another thing to hold one of his frames in your hands and see what the man could actually do.

Head Tube Lugs and Fork Crown

Drilling Pattern used by Confente

To call this frame a work of art doesn’t even come close.  Maybe it’s the bike geek in me, but it’s truly a well crafted piece of design. Now the problem is, what to do with it? My personal ethics tell me to never own a frame that I cannot ride, but this, what if something happens? A stray squirrel dashes in front of me to get a better look at the well crafted bottom bracket, a pot hole reaches up to feel how smooth the lug transition really is, a hobo offers me a trade of Taco Seasoning for the frame (sorry, inside joke). There is no replacing this thing, yet somehow it doesn’t’ belong on a wall. Well, I guess decisions have to be made, so for now, spend some time with the slideshow below and check back for updates later.

[mbspremium slideshow=1 title="'71 Masi Grand Criterium Built by M. Confente" subtitle="Click Full Screen For High Resolution"]

Well Kids, it’s time to clean out the garage and get my cycling gluttony in check.

I’ve decided to pass on my pristine 1981 Bianchi Super Pista. One of the best production/professional level track bicycles made from that era. The geometry is typically italian and tight/compact. It’s stiff and simply amazing. Made from Columbus SP with chrome campy ends. This bike has a total of two small paint chips and is otherwise puuuuuuuuurrrrrrrfect!

Here’s what’s on the chopping block. Frame 55cm and fork. Plus a polished campy record seatpost with bianchi pantographing, a 3ttt Bianchi pantographed stem, 3ttt Giomondi bars and last but not least, Ale steel bianchi panto toe clips.

Of course, since our readers are worldwide, so is shipping.

Looking for $850 plus actual shipping and paypal fees. Will be properly packaged in a bike box with plastic axles and more padding than you really need.

Contact me at sean at cyclezine dot net for details.

Here’s a pic of the bicycle built up. More info to come:

Jan 1 2010 hits and I think to myself, this would be a great year to stop spending money on things I don’t need. Perhaps save some dough for my yet to be born (or conceived) children’s college fund. Well, auctions like this tell me I’m going to have a hell of a time.

1970 Herse CycloCamping on eBay

Extremely rare Herse 1970 Cyclo-camping bicycle in expensive Vitus tubing 50 cm c to c seat tube, top tube 54,5 cm c to c.. Amazing back carriers with beautiful Sologne bags The bike is uncleaned and presented in genuine as found condition, the paintwork is like new Beautiful lugwork, ideally set off by the black and gold paint. Parts are very nice : Huret Luxe front and back, Philippe professionnel bars, Philippe stem, Ad-Hoc bell, Stronglight cranks with TA 48/32 chainrings. Mafac cantilevers, RH carriers front and back, Lyotard pedals, Cibie dynamo, lights most likely non-original. Wheels : Normandy, Super Champion 650 good logos, Bell wing nuts at the front, Bell nuts at the back. Lefol Le Paon mudgurads, excellent condition. Very nice example of an early 70s RH in truly excellent condition, it’s rare to find paintwork in such good condition. The bike has great style in this colour combination, and with the very rare rear low-slung bags Ready to ride, except for the original but not road-worthy Wolber Super Randonneurs Some parts appear earlier than 1970, but it was not uncommon for buyers to ask RH for a bike with older parts still in stock in shop, or parts taken from a favourite bicycle. I believe this bike left the RH shop in 1970 as it is now. Postage by priority airmail to US/ Japan/ Australia : 250 euros Payment : Paypal please. I always group postage for separate items. Postage is paid for by the buyer, who becomes the legal owner of the object when it leaves my premices.

Ernest Csuka, of Alex Singer Cycles passed away over the holidays. Monsieur Csuka was one of the last great Constructeurs to build in the old style. Csuka, Singer’s great nephew, stared at Alex Singer Cycles in the 40′s and eventually took over the shop in 1964. He recently handed the shop over to his son Oliver who, we assume, will continue to run the family business. The cycling world has lost a innovative figure and he will be missed.

The original announcement (in french) can be found here.

“It’s about F**kin’ Time You Jerks” is probably what you are saying to yourself.

I bumped into Puck the other day while riding down the Valencia Velodrome on the next “fixie” (aka touring bike, mark my words). And two things came from that fateful day. First being the no-necked picture of my on my BS. The second being Puck telling me to post some stuff in the For Sale section, “seriously man”.

So here goes.

This one hurts a bit just because I freakin’ love it. But the reality of it is that I will never use it and it sits while it should be ridden. For your money spending pleasure, I present you with the elusive Sugino 75 Tension Disc Kit. Not only is it awesome, but it’s BRAND NEW IN THE FREAKIN’ PACKAGE.

Yep, never been used or laced. 100% complete with all the tools, instructions and hardware you need to get this going on a 32h hub mated to a 700c 32h rim. Weighs less that a traditionally laced 32 spoke 700c rear wheel and TONS less than a traditional disc.

This sucker is made from Mylar and Kevlar. Not only do you get both your “lars” covered, but you get a disc wheel that will deflect a bullet should you find yourself in a cycling drive by or cruising in gang related territory. Now how many discs can say that, huh?

Looking to get $500 USD, plus shipping to wherever it is you’re at. Email me if you are interested.

sean at cyclezine dot net

This time “Seen on Ebay” is going to take a bit of a serious turn to help out someone who really needs it. Members of the Road Bike Review Lounge came together to build up this classy Ciocc to help out Collin Marsh, who on November 24th of last year was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at only seven months old.

Help Out Little Collin Marsh By Bidding On This Great Bike

All proceeds of this auction will go to Collin’s family to help pay for medical bills associated with his treatment.

Collin’s complete story can be found at Caring Bridge where the family has set up a site. This site requires registration, but this only takes a couple minutes. From there you can contact the family and also send donations.

Either way, put in a bid or two, it goes to a great cause.

Our thoughts are with you and your family Collin.

Auction can be found here.

Well hello there CycleZine readers. It’s been some time. But my absence has not been in vain. I’ve been working on several bike related projects which I will (hopefully) soon share with ya’ll. At any rate, I’d like to start my return with another installment of “Seen On Ebay”.

This installment highlights another gem on eBay France [archive link]. Something that would be at home with cycling enthusiasts and avid Franklin Mint collectors alike. I present to you, the History of the Tour De France as told in an elegant series of 12 10 commemorative china plates.

Read the rest of this entry…

It's about to come to blows...

This week I decided to pull out the old CycleZine time travelling recumbent device and head back to 1982. And of all the things I could think to bring back with me, Lawn Chair Larry, A more resilient Cal Ripken Jr, an NIB Commodore 64- I choose an issue of Bicycling. To be specific, one from July of 1982. Which I have decided to share with you all.

It’s comforting to know that when cold war tensions were high, the folks at Bicycling diverted our fear of red for a good ol’ Japan Vs. Italy shindig. And boy did we buy in! To this day, one can stop at any light in America to find a resentful gaze from a cyclist astride his 3 Rensho ready to go to blows should someone approach on say a De Rosa or Colnago. I am personally conflicted as I own both a 3Rensho and a Colnago. It’s a day to day struggle with me, that’s why this one hits home so hard.

At any rate, sit back, relax and see what 1982 had to say about some pretty sweet machines.

Go fullscreen to read the article:

[mbspremium slideshow=1 title="Italy vs Japan" subtitle="Bicycling, July 1982" rightclicktexturl="http://www.flickr.com/photos/assemblylinecollective/sets/72157621835568475/"]

For those of you having issues with flash, the gallery should default if you have the wrong version installed. You may want to check your browser and update as needed. In the mean time, I’ve posted a Flickr gallery. If you download the images and use them for your blog or site, please be a pal and link back to CycleZine. Thanks. CZ.

Apparently the EB is in an uproar over our successful little bike swap held in SF just weeks ago. They’ve called in UNT and are organizing one of their very own. Rumor has it, several people will be hosting grammar symposiums. I cans benefits frum summa dis.

Anyhow, without further adieu:

Sunday, August 16th

Mosswood Park, Oakland

High Noon

For those of you who live in the city and have reservations about venturing across the bay, I have been assured that Oakland is relatively safe. But as a precaution, I have posted this video on personal safety:

Come out to just say hello.

When I saw this in my RSS ticker, I had a slight freakout. You see, I’ve been going to Canyon De Chelly since I was a little kid. My grandma, or Nana, took me their for the first time when I was about 8 or 9, then a few times after that.

You see, every year from about age 5 to about 14, my Nana and I would pack up the old station wagon and take a road trip. Usually through the Southwest. Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico. She was a big proponent of taking me out of the classroom and showing me history in person. We concentrated on lots of the famous national parks, but we both were intrigued by the smaller, more out of the way archeological sites.  She has a deep interest in the Native American culture of that area, especially ancient Anazasi sites. So when I saw that the Rapha team rolled into Chile Arizona for a ride and stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge, it brought back a ton of fond memories- as this was by far one of our favorite places.

Chinle is a sleepy little town that hasn’t changed much since the first time I was there. A grocery store, could small fast food places and 2.5 motels that cater to the Canyon’s tourism industry.

Canyon de Chelly is a National Park, but unique in the fact that it is run by the Navajo Nation. What’s more, you can’t just stroll into the Canyon, you must be escorted. I think this is why this places has retained so much of it’s beauty and why the Ruins are so well preserved. At 8 am, you hop into an ex army DUKW, head into the canyon and you go from site to site with your own person Navajo tour guides.

It’s hands down, one of the best places in the world that you will ever go. So it’s not surprise that the the Rapha Continental ride took them there and  got some pretty amazing images in the process. Thanks to  Rapha and Velodramatic for exposing the cycling world to an amazing place and bringing back some very special memories.

Find out more:

Rapha BLOG

Velodramatic BLOG

Rapha Continental Ride at Pbase

Canyon de Chelly National Park