Massi Frames

stoobydale

I am in the market for a new frame and was thinking of an Argon 18 Gallium, however when I was in my LBS I saw on the wall a Massi frame, it was advertised as being the same as an Orbea Orca but £600 cheaper. The only difference that I could see was that it needed a band on front mech where as the Orbea doesn't. Does anyone know anything about these frames as I can't find anything on the net. Cheers.

rustychisel

Not common in this part of the world, but steel Massi frames used to be highly regarded. Do I understand this is advertised as the same as an Orbea, yet clearly isn't? In that case, why believe a word of what the LBS says about it? Buy an Orbea is my opinion...

giant_man

OMG man go for the Argon 18 cos it's so much a better frame than the other two. Don't worry about the fact they are relatively rare over here, the ride quality and finish of an Argon 18 is superb! You could at least get a demo ride. Then you would know.

Monty Dog

Massi are pretty well a badge-marketing operation - they certainly don't manufacture their own products like Orbea - most of their product appears to be generic, OEM branded stuff from Taiwan. Fine and perfunctory, just don't get sucked into paying a premium for it. To some folks, Argon 18 have as good a reputation as Cervelo, but just don't blow the marketing money shouting about it - in fact there reputation is probably better than Cervelo as at least they haven't had a major product recall to my knowledge!

stoobydale

Thanks for the replys. I know about the reputation of Argon 18 and currently ride their titanium frame, which is very good but I would like to try a carbon for racing with. I have been looking at the Gallium for a while, but the Massi did look very sexy in the shop. I was hoping to find a Massi website to do a proper comparison with the Orbea.

DavidBelcher

rustychisel wrote:

Not common in this part of the world, but steel Massi frames used to be highly regarded.

Do you mean Masi or Massi? The latter is Spanish and produces a fairly wide range of bikes and accessories; the former is a much smaller Italian operation dealing with handbuilt road bikes and renowned as a "framebuilder of trust" (i.e. building frames for pro riders to be disguised as another bike company's product - Tom Simpson's "Peugeot" frames were actually built by Masi).

David

giant_man

Well i can only vouch for Argon 18 having had one for the last four years and as Monty says their reputation is pretty good.

I have ridden a new Orbea Orca and personally I wasn't impressed, but everyone's different. Stoobydale if you have their Titanium frame (which I do recall you buying now btw) and if you want it for racing why are you not going for their top carbon monocoque offering?

They are lovely frames.

And Monty is right, Argon 18 haven't had any product recalls!

stoobydale

Hi Giant man, Do you still have your Argon18 for sale? I can't remember what model it was. I thought that the Gallium was their top end frame. The other factor is that there is some good deals on the 06 frames at the moment.

giant_man

yes the Gallium is their top frame stoobydale, I have the Platinum which at the time I bought mind in 03, it was the top model. Mine was for sale and I would still sell, but I don't know about sizing and if you want to go second hand.

If you get a good deal on the Gallium then my recommendation would be to go for it. You already know about the quality of their frames so to me, out of the choices you have stated, it's a no-brainer mate. :roll:

stoobydale

Well after much deliberation, :? I have placed a deposit on the Argon18 gallium . If the company comes up trumps with the bike to work scheme I could end up with a very very good deal

giant_man

I don't think you'll be disappointed stoobydale, you're now a two times Argon 18 owner! Good grief!

So did you get a good deal from Primera or elsewhere (just being nosey now) lol

stoobydale

last frame left at JE James. Just happened to be my size :shock:

firestarter4075

i have a massi a-carbon frameset built up into a bike and its fantastic solid for sprints but comfy over distance to much better than my old cannondale

giant_man

Nice one mate! Enjoy!