First of all, this is my first vintage bike. I’m mechanically inclined but still learning to identify / work on these.
I bought this from a neighbor for $300; so far I’ve figured out that it’s most likely a 1975 Masi Gran Crit made in Carlsbad CA. Serial number is 066, text below that reads MC60
My neighbor bought it from the original owner who used it for many decades, and it still has the sticker from the original shop which it was sold at in San Francisco.
Obviously a lot of the parts are not original, especially the shimano drivetrain, but it was well loved and used so I can hardly complain.
My goal for this bike is mainly to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate, and hopefully replace parts with period appropriate ones where I can. I’m worried about some of the rust on the frame but I don’t know how to remove it in the gentlest way possible.
Any advice on what I absolutely should do first is appreciated. Any parts that should be preserved vs replaced, what to do about the frame rust, anything else I should know.
Also, I realize it’s set up horribly. I’m much too short for a 60cm frame but I want to work on it and try to enjoy it a little before I accept that it’s too big for me. Thanks for any help you can provide.
PJ48N on
Very interesting bike! The handlebar stem is almost certainly set far above its minimum insertion point. There are very few quill stems made to be that high, and those are unlikely to be on a road bike like this one. Plus it’s obvious from the rust stains on it that it’s spent most of its life far lower. The top of the stains likely match the minimum insertion line. Not safe as it is.
thisquietplace on
Lower the stem and raise the seatpost. I also prefer it when the end straight of the bars are in parallel with the top tube.
PieCowPackables on
Since the drive train has already been replaced, you might as well put some decent brakes on there.
4 Comments
First of all, this is my first vintage bike. I’m mechanically inclined but still learning to identify / work on these.
I bought this from a neighbor for $300; so far I’ve figured out that it’s most likely a 1975 Masi Gran Crit made in Carlsbad CA. Serial number is 066, text below that reads MC60
My neighbor bought it from the original owner who used it for many decades, and it still has the sticker from the original shop which it was sold at in San Francisco.
Obviously a lot of the parts are not original, especially the shimano drivetrain, but it was well loved and used so I can hardly complain.
My goal for this bike is mainly to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate, and hopefully replace parts with period appropriate ones where I can. I’m worried about some of the rust on the frame but I don’t know how to remove it in the gentlest way possible.
Any advice on what I absolutely should do first is appreciated. Any parts that should be preserved vs replaced, what to do about the frame rust, anything else I should know.
Also, I realize it’s set up horribly. I’m much too short for a 60cm frame but I want to work on it and try to enjoy it a little before I accept that it’s too big for me. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Very interesting bike! The handlebar stem is almost certainly set far above its minimum insertion point. There are very few quill stems made to be that high, and those are unlikely to be on a road bike like this one. Plus it’s obvious from the rust stains on it that it’s spent most of its life far lower. The top of the stains likely match the minimum insertion line. Not safe as it is.
Lower the stem and raise the seatpost. I also prefer it when the end straight of the bars are in parallel with the top tube.
Since the drive train has already been replaced, you might as well put some decent brakes on there.