Masi Alare

Price Paid:  $850.00 at T3 Multisport, India

Favorite Ride:
Masi Alare

Bike Setup:
I dumped the standard cage pedals for some dual use SPD/Flat alloy pedals.

Summary:
As a 57 year old trying to keep up with his triathelete son (sort-of), I needed an affordable, comfortable road bike with some speed and style. I also wanted a bike I could ride to work and around town safely. My dealer recommended a Masi Alare. He fit the bike to me properly (no matter what you buy, this is a MUST) and suggested dual use pedals.

Strengths:
The geometry is somewhat relaxed, yeilding comfort and positive control. The components work well, with silent running, smooth shifting and positive breaking. The aluminum frame is stiff yet somewhat forgiving, and the carbon fork and seat post seem to absorb vibration well. The extra set of break levers make it a safer commuter. The fit and finish are impressive, with the pearl white paint job providing a deep, rich appearance. The saddle is comfortable--firm, not spongy or slippery. The bike climbs well, even without a 3rd crank ring.

Weaknesses:
The cage pedals that come with the bike are worthless. The inmost portion of the handle bars is slightly fluted and teflon-slippery, making it hard to affix and hold headlight straps.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $870.00 at Peloton Sports Las V

Summary:
I had been looking for a used bike in my size at the standard places, craigslist etc., but wasn't having any luck finding anything that was right. Wandering around at the bike shop one day I saw the Masi's and decided to check them out. The Alare really caught my eye, and from the look of the bike I thought the sticker price would be about double what it actually was. The paint is a white pearl that looks hot. To keep the price down, rather than having name brand components, the bike has Masi brand bars, stem, seat and seatpost. Sora components except for a Tiagra rear derailer, Ritchey headset, and Truvativ crank. The bike is quick, but it seemed to me that I could actually feel that the wheels were a little heavy, and they were after comparing with the wheels on the old bike. It handles well, is very stable at speeds up to 40 MPH, and I can't think of anything to complain about on it. It's exactly what I wanted, and I don't think I'll be seeing another one like it any time soon. I'm very happy with it so far. I don't feel the Sora shifters are a disappoint at all, but I did come from a bike with 20+ year old Suntour components, so anything really would be an improvement.

Strengths:
Two sets of brake levers.
Compact crank.
Beautiful paint.
Comfy seat standard (for me anyway.)
Carbon fork.
Carbon seat post.

Weaknesses:
Wheelset is heavy.
Sora components.

Similar Products Used:
Old school cannondale road bike with Suntour components.

Price Paid:  $699.00 at Whites Bikes

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Masi Alere

Bike Setup:
Computer, shimano pedals.

Summary:
I have been riding the Alere to work and back for the last 2 weeks. I love this bike. I was looking for a bike under $1000, I looked at the treks', specialized, giants. I wasnt impressed. I checked into my LBS and found the Masi. It was not one of the "3" and the test ride was good. I am glad I bought it. I enjoy having a bike that is not like everybody elses.

Strengths:
Flat bar brakes are a big ++++.

Weaknesses:
Havent found 1 yet

Price Paid:  $820.00 at Old School Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Stock still, but not for long.

Summary:
My bike is a 2009 but there is no option for that. I love the bike and everything about it. I test rode several brands (Trek 1.2, Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD9 7, and Orbea) None of them felt right for me. I love the geometry of the Alare. A pleasant suprise is it came with 105 shifters instead of the the Sora. The ride is great, and it handles well, plus the auxilliary brakes will be nice for the cyclo races

Strengths:
105 shifters, price. geometry.

Weaknesses:
none that i found

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1.2 Specialized Allez, Cannondale CAAD9 7, Orbea Fleche.

Price Paid:  $730.00 at queen city cycles, s

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Masi alare

Bike Setup:
stock for now

Summary:
When I first started looking at an entry level road bike I looked at every bike every one else had looked at as well, eg. specialized, trek, giant etc. As I went on I became very frustrated because everything in my price limit is essentially the same (which is true). So finally I went to my local bike shop and looked around and saw these masi's. Im not a big fan of soras but I test rode it anyways and basically loved it. Not that this bike is any better or worse then a sepcialized allez or trek 1.2. They all have a carbon fork, light weight double butted aluminum frame, unfortantely sora componants and pretty crappy wheels. So the real reason I (or any person in need of a good bike under $1000) chose this bike was first, fit, and second the paint job. I wanted the white allez (which none of my LBS carried) and i wasnt thrilled about the treks either, so thats why I picked the masi. I really do love the bike though, extremely stiff and the geometry fit me well, it definately has a shorter top tube then the specialized but the wheels are farther apart which I like. The carbon fork seems fairly decent and absorbs well. The addition of the flat bar breaks is a nice touch (but if you plan to race with the bike definetly remove them and save some weight). In all honestly I would not be afraid to take this bike out to a club race or charity event, there may not be many out there but its a great bike for the money. Remember, if your looking for a bike less then $1000 then you are going to be almost buying the same bike just a brand. plus its always good to support your LBS and they will treat you good to.

Strengths:
light stiff frame and great geometry, definetely seems like masi knows what they are doing. good price and nearly identical/comparable to allez and 1.2

Weaknesses:
crappy wheels (expected though)

Similar Products Used:
specialized allez, trek 1.2