Giramondo 700c

I did a lot of internet research before buying this bike, but this one checked every box except for 1, I'll get to that in a moment. The one I have is the version just before the no paint job one came out, I have what Masi called the brass paint color which I purchased in 2020 just about a month before C19 made it difficult to get a bike, so I got lucky on the timing.

It has the best gearing I could find for heavy loads while climbing steep grades.

The handle bar is wider than most and flared out for better control of a loaded bike; due to the relaxed frame geometry and the wide tires it can handle, it rides like a luxury car in comparison to other bikes.

The Tubus racks it came from are outstanding racks, made of steel instead of aluminum, steel will hold up to abuse a lot longer than aluminum will; however, steel can rust, and the Tubus racks have openings on the top and bottom, I presume to let water in and then back out, fine, but I didn't like the idea, so I poured some linseed oil to protect the inside of the rack better, the oil will have to be reapplied every season. I also removed the front rack since I don't use front panniers and instead put on a Blackburn Bootlegger rack, it works better for my needs, and I can now get the front wheel off easier without having to loosen up the front rack first.

On my bike it was spec'd with 180mm front rotors and 160 rear, I prefer the larger rotors on the front for cooling purposes then the new model that dropped the size down to 160, not sure why Masi did that, they should go back to the larger rotor in the front, which I doubt they will since I'm sure it cost a bit more.

The only issue at time of purchase was the seat, it's the cheapest seat anyone could find to put on a bike, and it didn't last long, about 3 months and the rails pulled out of the bottom of the seat while I was camping, not good, I wasn't far from home because I was on a shake down ride, so I called the wife and she brought me a saddle, one I had brand new setting in a box for the last 40 or so, an Avocet Touring W1 that is no longer made but a really nice saddle. Granted a saddle is a personal choice thing, but I think they should have put on a more consumer desirable saddle like a Brooks or something similar.

After buying the bike I did run into a problem with the tires, those Kenda Drumlin tires are heavy and not made really well, they weigh at around 1,100 grams EACH! not only were they heavy, but they introduced a shimmy in the bike when it was under load, I had to inflate the tires to 80 psi before the tires would stop the shimmy, when all I was supposed to use for my carrying weight was 45, and the tires didn't last long, about 1800 miles and they were done for; so, I switched to Schwalbe Almotion 38c tire instead which weigh about 1/2 of what the Kenda weighed, plus I can run 50 psi and not get any shimmy. I went with a 38 tire because all my touring and camping will be done on paved, and a bit rare but maybe some gravel roads, and 38 is plenty wide for that situation.

The wheels are very sturdy, they have yet to go even slightly out of true, while they are cheap wheels, they are rugged wheels, and that's what you want on a touring bike. Not sure how long the hubs will last because they are a bottom of the line hub, but they're doing well and rolling smoothly for now.

My bike did not come with pedals, so I bought a pair of Shimano PD ED500's.

Whether or not the newest bike is spec'd better is a push, the older bike had the bigger 180mm rotors, but the newer bike has wire routing for a dynamo which some would like, I would rather have the larger front rotor. Otherwise, it's basically the same bike. I haven't put too many miles on it, about 3,000, but so far everything is holding up nicely. This bike is really for when I retire in a year, then I will make a US tour, I don't think I will make any changes to it except maybe put on a better set of hubs.

I did put on a set of Topeak Defender IGlow fenders, those fenders barely cleared the 45mm tires, by barely I mean 24ths to an 8th of inch depending where the tires were in relation to the fenders, those were the only fenders made that would clear 45mm tires, now however with the 38mm tires the fenders fit perfectly with more room between the fender and the tire.

Due to the price point and what is being offered at this price, and believe me I did a lot of shopping, and I would have had to spend at least another $1,200 more to get a bike that has similar features as this one, but of course that more expensive bike would have been about 3 to 4 pounds lighter, but for the price you can't beat the Masi, so based on price and features, and despite a couple of shortcomings as I outlined, I had no choice but to give it 5 stars!

I've had my Giramondo since 2017 and have put thousands of miles on it. The bike has taken me across Missouri twice on the Katy trail loaded with my camping gear and performed flawlessly. My model was before the bike came with factory racks so I have the Blackburn Outpost both front and back.

From the specs of the 2022 model it just seams like this bike keeps getting better. I have seriously considered buying another one even though it's essentially the same bike. That's how much I love this bike. It's the touring bike that I recommend to everyone that is looking for a long distance ride. My next trip is from Arkansas to Key West and I have no doubt that it will take the trip in stride.

This is the first touring bike I have ever bought, and it has not disappointed. The handling both loaded and unloaded is to be admired the most. However, when loaded the handling really excels. I am able to move with speed and grace through turns and up hills like never before. The wide tires coupled with the steel frame take away a lot of the road chatter I had with my last aluminum bike. I love the way that this bike lives in both worlds of gravel and road. You want it for trails just let out some of the air. You want it for road, pump it up and it rolls like a Cadillac. It is really refreshing to arrive at my destination at the end of the day not as exhausted from fighting the bike and load it is carrying the whole way.
The gearing is very low (you could climb a brick wall) and I often have to ride in the "Big Dog" gear even when loaded.
The racks work well and are built of quality materials and a good addition.
The ample spacing that allows for wide tires with fenders is a real plus.
The seat is good and most people upgrade anyway, so no diatribes about how I care one way or another about it. The components selected for this bike work well together.
The bar end shifters take some getting used to, but the front friction set shifter makes it easy to take care of any chain drag. In fact I like it so much, I may change over the rear as well to the friction setting. If you are not used to them watch out when getting on and off so you don't bump them. I like them for their durability and simplicity.
The brakes are good, react well when needed. They do not have any problems stopping when loaded.
Handlebar wrap is okay and I will keep it until it wears out.
I love the " no paint job" paint job. Keeps it off thieves radar, and I don't worry as much about scratches.
If I had to choose something to change, it would be to leave the headtube long and allow the rider to cut it down to their preference (I like a more upright position to look at my surroundings), but that is the breaks with a mass produced bike. I have had this bike a few months and already had a crash ,due to cheap pedals, but the bike was alright and bounced back enough that the riding for the weekend wasn't done.
Bottom line this bike is solid, simple to own, and easy to love. I hope I have this thing for a long time and the adventures abound. If you are on the fence about this bike, I got friends with Surly and Salsa bikes that like mine better. So get this bike, stand out from the crowd and get the wind in your face!

After purchasing (possibly the last one) in the spring of 2021 the Giramondo has everything a noob like me could ask for. Im new to cycling and I’ve only logged a little over 200 miles outdoor on this bike. Im just under 6ft at 185 lbs and the medium fits. At 30 gears, living in central / western IL., every gear has been used and the selective shifting is dreamy. The tires have quite a bit of tread for smooth road riding. The saddle is great and this can be realized after getting the right padded riding pants/shorts (and about two weeks of riding). Its always windy here and I’m really feeling that drag with the weight of this bicycle, the upright seating design, and the knobby tires! Lets be honest though, the bike is set up for everything else though! Im hoping to get a few distanced rides in by the end of 21. Great bike!!!!