Müsing Cayo

One of the veterans of the epic struggle of the 90ies "steel vs. aluminium" for the best frame material, which ended in the victory of plastic garbage from Taiwan. In the early 90ies the small German framebuilder Müsing came up with perfectly handcrafted frames: No sign of welding, everything smoothend, great colours, a somewhat still classic look and italian geometry. The frames - this one is made frome Tange Premier - used to be 600 - 900 gramms lighter than their SLX/SPX rivals, and stiffer, and more comfortable. The 1997 model was one of the best Müsings ever made. However, in the following years Müsing was sold to the big company Derby Cycles, the quality detoriated, and stories of cracked frames popped up in the internet. Today Müsing is just another brand.

My Müsing was bought by a chap who went to South Tyrolia every summer. Not fully convinced of the mountain capabilities of the second generation Ultegra stuff, and after a severe brakedown of the right shifting lever, he decided to upgrade it in 2005 to the new 27 speed standard. However, the next year he bought a Simplon Carbon bike, and sold the Müsing after a while. I got rid of the most old parts, especially the heavy wheels, replaced them with the Rolfs, and brought in the Dura Ace stuff. Only the handlebar, the stem, the headset and the saddle remain. It is my first choice for small and medium trips in the Bavarian Alps, and even after 13 years still a very strong, light and handsome companion.