Masi Gran Corsa Premio Double

Price Paid:  $400.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
HHH

Bike Setup:
Campy Centaur for the most part. FSA carbon compact crank. Easton EC70 fork. Current seat is an old Flite gel which never worked for me before but is good on this bike.

Summary:
I bought the frame and switched over parts from my Basso Gap and upgraded parts as well.
I only race mtb now but most of my riding is on my road bike. The ride and handling are excellent as is the comfort for 4+hr rides.
So it's a Taiwan made frame but the ride is impressive and better than my Italian made Basso.

Strengths:
Rides well. Handles well. Stable at speed.
Comfortable.
The geometry is spot on for me. The bike fit is great for me and I'm riding longer with less pain.

Weaknesses:
Too many decals;) Masi pust be on there on about 14 places, even the bottom of the down tube!

Similar Products Used:
Basso Gap was my last road bike

Price Paid:  $1860.00 at City Bikes

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Aluminium frame with CF seatstay and chainstay.
Shimano Ultegra 10 STI shifters
Shimano Ultegra Brakes
Shimano Ultegra Front Derail
Shimano DuraAce Rear Derail
Shimano Ultegra 10 cassette
Shimano 550 Hubs
Shimano 550 wheels
Masi CF seat post
Easton EC 70 CF Fork
FSA Pro Wing bar (upgrade)
Selle Italia saddle
FSA Gossamer cranks

Summary:
Truth be told, I'm a mountain biker testing the road waters. With mountain trails at least a 25 minute drive away, the thought of opening my garage door and setting off on a ride was very tempting.

I went to several bike shops here in DC. Revolution Cycles, Performance, and City Bikes to name a few. I test rode several Masi bikes, a Trek 2200, a Lemond Chambery, a Specialized Roubaix, and a Cannondale R1000. The Chambery was on sale at Revolution for $1500. It had a full carbon rear triangle and Shimano Ultegra 10 group. It was a lot of bike for the money and it made the decision of purchasing the Masi very difficult. The decision was made easier in large part because City Bikes blew me away with their knowledge of their products, their professionalism, and patience. They earned this sale.

The bike is fantastic. It has mostly Shimano Ultergra 10 components, except for the rear derailleur which is Dura Ace. The cranks are FSA Gommamer. It has a carbon fiber seat post and a Selle Italia saddle. The shifting has been smooth and flawless thus far. The brakes were a point of concern at the start, but the problem that I endured with weakness appears to have been an issue with the pads breaking in and not the devices themselves. The tires are fine and the Shimano 550 hubs and wheels are fine for my riding needs and my 195 lb. body. I switched out the stock handle bars for FSA Pro Wing bars, making longer journeys more comfortable. That is the only change I made to the bike. The carbon seat stay and chain stay help the ride, as does the Easton EC 70 carbon fork. I noted a much smoother ride than I experienced with the Masi Vincere or the Specialized Allez, both full aluminum bikes. I have put about 150 miles on it since I purchased the bike a week and a half ago (I was on vacation the week after I bought it and rode almost everyday). I am very pleased with the ride and handling. It has been a very positive experience.

Strengths:
Very smooth ride. Light. Great value when you consider amount of carbon fiber and component group. Built by Haro.

Weaknesses:
Brakes, at first, but now they are fine.

Similar Products Used:
Tested: Masi Vincere, Masi Vincere Premio, Specialized Allez, Specialized Roubaix, Lemond Chambery, Trek 2200.