[CR]Ron Cooper Observations & Question

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

From: "Eric Elman" <tr4play@cox.net>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <004f01c435ec$1a3dd3b0$0100a8c0@warehouse>
Subject: [CR]Ron Cooper Observations & Question
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 20:28:49 -0400


I am currently in the fortunate position to have in my possession two Ron Cooper frameset of approximately the same year. They are in my possession but I only own one, the other needing to be returned to another list member very soon.

One of the frames is his racing model and the other is his touring model. I base that on certain features and a write-up on them in a ~1975 Cycleology catalog I have. Here's the obvious differences:

Wheelbase: 39.5 racing; 41.0 touring Frame reinforcements: rear brake, rear stays and forks on the racing; non of the aforementioned on the touring Drop-outs: Campagnolo short on the racing; long on the touring

I need to measure the bb drop, chain stay lengths and head/deat tube angles.

Both have flat fork crowns but the racing model is plain, the touring has been jazzed up just a bit in a very understated English kind'a way.

Both have the "C" inside the lower headlug cutout, both have braze on TT cable guides and over the top of BB guides and rear derailleur cable stop on the chain stay along with one set of bottle braze on's on the down tube (with diamond reinforcements). Decals are identical as are all lugs.

My question to anyone that knows: how will they compare in ride? Please don't just take a guess and write - I can do that too. I'm curious if any list member has actually ridden both types of frame and has some seat of the pants experience to offer.

Thanks in advance,

Eric Elman
Somers, CT