Masi Masi Evoluzione Dura Ace (2012)

Masi has stepped up to the plate!

Pros

The carbon monocoque frame is comfortable for the longer rides and yet still has the power to satisfy the weekend racer. Shimano 7900 Dura-ace at under $6K with quality components from Mavic, Fizik, Ritchey and FSA rounding out the ride.

Cons

Vittoria Diamante Pro Tyres are a little on the slow side for this level of bike. The cassette at 11/21 will not suit a lot of riders where hills are a regular part of their training regime.

Review

What makes a bike stand out? Is it the colour? The lines and curves, the brand name, or is it the credibility at the coffee shop. The Masi Evoluzione is one to put on the top ten of bikes to research.

The frame is of full monocoque carbon construction. The former frames from Masi were known as the 3VC lugged models. These were beautiful to ride especially for climbing. So being on the larger side of a rider any frame that helps me to climb is a good one

The new model for Masi has a BB30 bottom bracket which translates to a stiffer more powerful accelerating bike. More carbon where you need it. The other area to receive a boost is the headset where you will find the current trend of installing a 1 1/8 top bearing down to a 1 lower bearing. This system allows for less fork flex giving the rider a much stiffer ride especially in a full on sprint where you are pulling hard on the front end.

The rest of the bike is made up of quality components comprising of the Shimano Dura-ace 7900 groupset except the FSA K-Force Lite carbon cranks. I'm usually a snob when it comes to mix and matching components within a groupset but the FSA cranks are as good as the Shimano equivalent with the shifting as crisp and precise as you would hope for at this level.

The Mavic Ksyrium SL wheel set is a delight to ride and truly compliment the Masi giving smooth and reliable service. Sealed bearing, bladed spokes and Mavic's excellent back up service will see you riding these hoops for a long time to come.

Ritchey WCS puts the finishing touches with their headset, seatpost stem and bars. The WCS is Ritchey's top level of components adding to the already high spec bike.

Fizik Arione provides the saddle so overall a very high spec bike that you would expect to pay a lot more for.