Masi's Japan-exclusive touring bike, the "Catalina Apex 1x11." Its timeless, simple design and specifications make it a model that can be loved for a long time by everyone from beginners to veterans as a bike for travel!
This Masi Catalina Apex 1x11 is currently on sale at a great price!
masi Catalina Apex 1x11
【Manufacturer's suggested retail price】￥159,500 (tax included) ⇒ SALE 15% OFF ￥135,575 (tax included)
【Colors (5 colors in total)】Navy, Matt Titan, Matt Mossgreen, Sunset Orange, Erba, Soft Grey
【Sizes (approximate height suitability)】430 (153-160cm),470 (158-165cm),490 (163-170cm),510 (168-175cm),535 (173-180cm)
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About the Catalina Apex frame performance
The Catalina Apex frame is made of full chromoly, which offers excellent durability and vibration absorption.
Frame Geometry
| Frame Size | 430 | 470 | 490 | 510 | 535 |
| HA | 70 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 72 |
| SA | 74 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74 | 73.5 |
| TT | 515(430) | 520(470) | 525(490) | 535(510) | 545(535) |
| HT | 100 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 |
| FC | - | - | - | - | - |
| RC | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 | 432 |
| BB | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| FO | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| WB | 1010 | 1007 | 1002.2 | 1017 | 1017 |
| SH | - | - | - | - | - |
| SK | - | - | - | - | - |
| RH | - | - | - | - | - |
| Suitable Height | 153~160（430） | 158~165（470） | 163~170（490） | 168~175（510） | 173~180（535） |
The geometry of the Catalina series is less like a pure gravel road bike and more like a touring model designed for carrying luggage over various road surfaces.
The center of gravity is designed to be almost the same as a popular road bike, maintaining speed while ensuring straight-line stability with a longer wheelbase.
Although the head tube length is somewhat short, there is ample steerer tube length to allow for an upright riding position.
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Bolt bosses are amply provided throughout the frame, making it fully prepared for carrying luggage.
For wheel attachment, a quick release system is adopted, rather than the now-popular thru-axle standard.
While the Catalina Apex falls into the gravel road bike category, its specifications suggest it's more suited for touring with bike packing, rather than aggressively tackling gravel trails.
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The tire clearance, while using the stock 35c tires, appears to have some room to spare. While popular gravel bikes often accommodate tires up to 50c, the Catalina seems to be designed with long-distance travel in mind.
The front fork, like the frame, is made of chromoly. In addition to its durability, the bow-shaped bend ensures excellent vibration absorption.
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Additionally, bolt bosses are firmly placed on the front fork.
The actual weight of the complete bike is 11.65kg (490mm), which is lightweight for an entry-level full chromoly bike.
About the Catalina Apex component configuration
The main component group for the Catalina Apex is SRAM Apex (1x11 speed).
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It's rare for a bike in this class to use SRAM, which gives it a distinctive character. It offers a playful, boyish feel that contrasts with the frame's classic aesthetic.
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The brakes are mechanical disc brakes from PROMAX. While they are not particularly expensive, they feel surprisingly good to the touch.
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The tires used are KENDA FLINT RIDGE 700x35C K1152. You might want to replace these with your preferred tires after purchase. However, they are perfectly adequate for daily use and leisurely cycling!
Specification Table
| Tire Size | 700x35C | |
| Gears | 1x11speed | |
| Pedals | WELLGO C227DU | |
| Specifications | Frame | FULL CR-MO FRAME 3 WATER BOTTLE BOSSES ON THE UPPER SIDE AND DOWN SIDE OF DOWN TUBE |
| Fork | 700C x 1-1/8″ CR-MO BLADES ( HI-TEN STEERER ) WITH 2 SETS EYELET & CARRIES BOSSES | |
| Crankset | SRAM APEX 1 170mm | |
| BB | SRAM BB-GXP-A1 | |
| F Derailleur | ||
| R Derailleur | SRAM RD APEX 1 LONG CAGE | |
| Shifter | SRAM SB-APEX-B1 SHIFT/ BRAKE LEVERS right | |
| Cassette | MICROSHIFT CS-H113 11 SPEED 11-42T | |
| Brake Lever | SRAM BL-APEX-A1 left | |
| Brakes | PROMAX DSK-300R MECHANICAL DISC BRAKE INTERNATIONAL MOUNT | |
| Tires | KENDA FLINT RIDGE 700x35C K1152 | |
| Wheels | F/HUB FORMULA DC-1420 DISC HUB, 6-BOLT R/HUB FORMULA DC-1422 DISC HUB, 6-BOLT RIMS JALCO PRD21 700C 32H F/V |
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| Handlebar | HL X-RACE WIDTH: 430/470/490/510/535MM => 400/400/400/420/420MM, | |
| Stem | HL TDS-D507A-8FOV BAR BORE 31.8MM, RAISE +7° EXT: 430/470/490/510/535MM => 70/70/90/100/100M |
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| Headset | FIRST 1-1/8″ ALLOY HEADSET WITH SEALED BEARING | |
| Saddle | CIONLLI 1730C BRASS REIVET STEEL BLACK RAIL BROWN TOP | |
| Seatpost | HL SATORI SP-D286 27.2X 350mm | |
Impressions after test riding the Catalina Apex
My impression after the test ride was that it felt lighter than expected, considering it has a chromoly fork. The ride quality was as smooth and comfortable as I imagined, making it well-suited for relaxed rides.
It's a model with such good ride comfort that you could ride it for a very long time just by customizing the cockpit area to your liking!
Considering the component configuration, frame specifications, and ride feel, I have the impression that it might not be ideal for aggressive gravel trail riding.
However, its straight-line stability and high vibration absorption mean it should handle non-asphalt roads like riverbanks and gravel paths smoothly.
In that regard, it seems to be a perfect model for cycling trips where you can ride at your own pace!
Summary of masi Catalina Apex 1x11
- A bicycle for travel. Designed for bike-carrying and perfect for day trips to long-distance touring.
- Extremely rich in bolt mounts, offering excellent expandability!
- Entry-level models with SRAM components are rare.
With its abundant bolt mounts, it offers excellent expandability for everyday use, such as fenders, carriers, and racks. The tough yet flexible frame makes it perfect for long journeys!
Personally, I believe that if you customize the cockpit (saddle and bar tape) and tires to your liking, this model will allow you to ride for a truly extended period!
This Catalina Apex, perfect for both daily use and cycling trips, is currently on sale!
Please consider it during this opportunity!!!
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