Masi Speciale 2010 Road Bike
The Masi Speciale 2010 Road Bike is not your average race bicycle. The Speciale is a mixture of both old and new, sporting a retro steel frame and fork. The components are up-to-date, making this retro and new-school mixture a force to recon with. The Masi Speciale’s frame is built using double butted 4130 chromoly steel, with a lugged chromoly steel fork. It also uses Shimano 105 shifters, with front and rear derailleurs. The bike is powered by a Truvativ Elita C2.0 crankset with compact chainrings and an integrated bottom bracket. A Ritchey Pro Zeta wheelset and Ritchey Pro Logic handlebars and stem complete the package. The Masi Speciale also sports a friendly price tag of $1,675.
Masi bikes are great. But having ridden this bike, I can say it is a bit heavy. 23-24 lbs or so. This seems to be the problem with all steel bikes in this price range. Also most buyers for this kind of money want at least 631 tubing for the main set. Jamis offers the Quest with 631 at the same price with Ultegra. THe Quest is a compact frame. The Masi is smooth and is a very nice ride as all steel bikes made with care are. The real difference between 4130 and 631 or even 853 is weight and price, not ride quality.
I just bought one of these and I’m so pleased. I’ve been riding for 10 years and this is my first new bike. I was worried about buyer’s remorse after the first long ride, but the bike did not disappoint. Sure it’s a little heavy, but I’m fine with that. It’s got great components for the money and is a smooth riding machine. I have a longer than normal torso, so I loved it’s long top tube (their Gran Criterium has a longer top tube as well, but I really wanted steel).
I just purchased this bike (leftover stock from 2010). I must say, it is amazing for these reasons:
1. It is the perfect mix of classic and new, fashionable and yet, functional as a road bike. No other manufacturer has accomplished this like the Masi and the Speciale.
2. The heavier frame makes for great exercise and a very comfortable ride. Agreed, if you are into racing and have a lot of money spend, go Aluminium, Carbon, or both.
3. Great starter bike. If your goal is to get into racing, I would train on this bike before moving into the ligher weight options.