I just stumbled across an eBay listing for a "BATES VOLANTE ROAD/TRACK FRAMESET" [details below] and I'm badly in need of enlightenment. The object of my puzzlement is what appears to be a well built frameset with highly ornate lugwork made by Ron Cooper six years ago. It is described as a Bates Volante and has decals which are "designs from the 1950s". Nice frameset. My problem is as follows:
1) The Bates patented "Cantiflex" tubing is not employed.
2) There is a conventional fork rather than the Bates patented "Diadrant" forks.
According to my early Bates catalog these are "THE EXCLUSIVE PATENTS WHICH MAKE A BATES A 'BATES' "
3) Standard finish for a Bates Volante was full metal plate (nickel or chrome) in either a polished or matte finish. This frame is finished in a silver metallic paint.
In summation, I can find not a single point of similarity between this fine modern frame and a 1950's period Bates Volante with the exception of the 1950's design decals. Enlightenment is badly needed.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not bad mouthing the frame. I'm not disputing the right of Cooper et al. to label the frame a Bates Volante. They do, after all, own the name. I am puzzled because, if the Chinese, say, owned the name and produced TIG welded aluminum bikes sold as Bates Volantes, I greatly doubt that they would add decals designed in the 1950s.
Somebody please help me out here. I simply and very sincerely just don't get it.
Martin Needleman Annapolis, MD
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Item Number 2181703173 eBay Description: Offered for sale is Rare BATES VOLANTE ROAD / TRACK FRAMESET.
This rare,stunning frameset was built by Ron Cooper approx 6 years ago.
It has since been ridden only 100 miles and is in almost new condition except for a few minor paint chips and 'wheel nut' marks on the fork-ends.
Size is 61cm centre to centre, top tube is 58cm centre to centre, wheelbase is 1025 centre to centre.
The frame is built with Reynolds 531 Professional tubing with round section forks.
The lugwork has been hand-cut from Haden blanks to a very intricate design and follows on the fork crown and rear brake bridge/seatstay area.
The frameset is finished in Silver Metallic with contrasting head and seatube panels. The decals are designs from the 1950s.Please feel free to ask the seller a question..Good luck bidding