Jay and everyone,
I do indeed have two Roberson frames. My partner at VCS, Craig, also has one. Rob is still around and as a matter of fact I just talked to his at Joe Bells' shop today. That's where Rob works now. One of my Robersons I've freshly painted but haven't assembled or ridden yet. The first one I got I sent over to Rob to have him fancy it up a bit for me. It's a relatively plain one. I may have to resort to painting it wild (maybe it's time to do another zebra paint job, it's been a long time since I've done that!) because it's been with Rob for a while and it hasn't moved in months. You know, a zebra job on a plain Roberson might be just the ticket! I'm picking that baby up tomorrow.
The more ornate and decorated frames Rob has made are very unique and very interesting. He's done some very tasteful and creative work. His bikes sometimes have unusual paint schemes (but never a zebra job, I'll bet). He built Masis for Ted Kirkbride back in the late seventies, in addition to working with Ibis and Hooker Racing. Lately he only builds for himself and immediate family and friends, as far as I know. I have my two. Craigs' probably isn't going anywhere, and if so I fet first dibbs. The rest of you poor souls will have to suffer, except for whoever wins the bid or whatever on ebay. There are not that many Robersons out there, and mine aren't going anywhere, except under my butt!.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Keep an eye on the Vintage Cycle Studios website, it will show up there eventually.
When I did my stint as a framebuilder at Ibis Cycles in the early 90's, Rob Roberson had already been there 4 or 5 years, if I remember correctly, as THE brazing expert, putting all the finishing touches to the frames. A modest but very talented man. I remember watching him check the alignment on a very pretty frame and asking him who made the frame, to which he replied, "Who do you think"? Not aware of his background yet, I said, I don't know, who? In a rather irritated tone he said "I did". Boy did I feel stupid. To make a long story longer, if you can afford it, buy it. There aren't too many examples of his work available. Brian Baylis is in touch with him. He lives in the San Diego area again.
Jay Sexton Sebastopol, CA
Hey gang,
There's a nice looking Rob Roberson frame on Ebay, item #3697399806,
that just happens to be my size, but I'm not familiar with this name.
Can anyone enlighten me, on or off list. Sure would appreciate any
info.
Fred Durrette
Summerville, South Carolina