Today I received an anxiously awaited package containing a 1973 Ron Cooper. 23" c-t seat tube, 22" c-c top tube, 41" wheelbase. Finished in beautiful original metallic blue, with orange seat tube panel bordered by rainbow stripes. No braze-ons, except rear derailleur cable stop. Long Campy dropouts with fender eyes. A few nicks, but really excellent condition for a 30-year old bike. Nuovo Record headset. Reynolds 531, of course.
I looked at the Ron Cooper web site which is very nice. I wonder if Ron Cooper made specific models? This one would appear from the specs to be something of a club bike or tourer, not a pure racer. Comments?
Of course, the workmanship is first rate. Scalloped lugs lined in gold. Trademark Ron Cooper seat stays, in which the ends are mitred and formed into spearpoints, then brazed. Flat fork crown.
Build-up suggestions are being solicited. Of course, I could just go the entire Nuovo Record gruppo route. But I am thinking of something somewhat more eclectic. Naturally, if you have appropriate parts you would like to contribute to this project, please contact me with your remunerative demands. I am thinking center pulls might be nice.
I can't resist saying that I got this for what I consider a bargain price. In that regard, I also need to acknowledge the very helpful information contained in Lou Deeter's Used Bike Buyer's Guide. This is good reading for anyone considering such a purchase.
I hope I have made at least one person drool.
Louis Schulman Tampa, Florida (Time to go bicycling in Paradise!)