Masi

Faliero Masi, and now his son Alberto, are an intrinsic part of the Italian romance with racing bicycles.

Although never the sponsor of a major Pro team, Masi has been whispered to be the preferred builder for many stars in the Pro peloton. In the original workshop beneath the famous Vigorelli velodrome, the Masi family has produced sought after bicycles since 1946.

Notable Masi bikes were the Superias ridden by Rik Van Looy's "Red Guard" in the '50's and '60's and the Faema bikes Eddy Merckx rode from 1969-1972. Faliero also built bikes for, Coppi, Anquetil, Bobet, Nencini and Simpson to name but a few.

In the worldwide bike boom of the 1970's, Masi's creations like the elegant Gran Criterium became famous around the globe.

In 1972 Faliero moved to California to start Masi USA which involved selling the rights to his name to the American company, who made Masi bikes under his tutelage. He returned to Milan in 1974 after a dispute with the American investors. Alberto continued to build Masi bikes under the same velodrome during this whole period.

On his return Faliero worked in the shop until his death in 2000. Alberto still works there today