Mash Work
Picture: Mash SF
Build 21/30
Material and Manufacturing quality 6/10
Paint and Finish 8/10
Weight 7/10
It's simple; Cromor is quite literally one of the most affordable tubing options available from Columbus. Not even double-butted, you'll have a hard time finding anything more basic than this. To top it of, it also has quite a lot of flex to it. However, Cromor is also very thick and can be left outside for years before rust reaches the other side.
An important note: the first batch of the Work V1 (clear coat) did not have an indent on the outside of the chainstays, making SRAM Omnium incompatible. These are the ones you want; they are the original version that will last the longest. The second batch of V1 and V2 both had the indent, but many ended up cracking at that exact spot. Chainstays are replaceable, but you'll have to go through your local frame builder for that.
The V1 comes only with a clear coat, while the V2 features a "smoked" clear coat. To be honest, it's one of the best-looking raw frames out there. Many have attempted to replicate it without much success. A very thin clear coat is all that separates your keys or anything sharp, from this frame. This frame is gonna rust no natter what! Personally, I like it, but you must be prepared for your frame to become increasingly rusty as the years pass.
It’s quite a heavy frame at 2.9kg (with the fork), but with the tubes being so springy, the weight has never really been an issue for me.
Ride 25/30
Geometry and sizing 8/10
Versatility 9/10
Handling and comfort 8/10
So for some reason, Cinelli and Mash did an unusual thing where size announcements differed from the norm. A 56-57 is typically an L size in my experience, but they opted to label it XL instead. Please note that the Mash steel sizing chart is more conventional, so if you ride a Steel L, you need a Work XL and so on. Geometry-wise, it's an incredibly good bike. The bottom bracket is exceptionally high, allowing you to cross almost anything you encounter, but it remains a very stable bike. My preferred setup with the Mash Work was 32c, but I did go up to 35c for some gravel riding.
You get two bottle cage mounts and the possibility to install cantilever brakes front and rear if you have the adapters. There is also a v-brake hole on the fork to install a rack, but none at the rear.
Riding it, the Mash Work feels like the ideal solution for daily commuting or long days in the saddle. The comfort you get from this frame may be due to its lack of stiffness, this being said, it never bothered me and has been my favorite bike for a very long time. However, I was always happy to jump on an aluminum bike from time to time to ride something that felt stiffer and faster.
Value 19/30
Price 7/10
Availability 5/10
Used Market 7/10
Originally priced around $800, this bike was intended for messengers. Today, you can find one only on the used market, with prices greatly varying depending on their conditions as visible rust plays a big part.
SSS Factor 10/10
Hands down, one of the best bike I ever owned.
