I've just posted photos of my new Rob Roberson. Brian Baylis helped me buy this bike from the original owner in San Diego. (Thanks Brian!). It came to me as frame only and I decided to build it with 1st generation black Dura-Ace. I'm very pleased with the results. To my eye the black contrasts beautifully with the pearl baby blue frame (original paint, done by Cyclart).
I spoke with Rob Roberson not long ago and he told me that he made 16 frames under his own name before going to work for Masi. According to Rob this is the second frame he made after leaving Masi, making it the 18th Roberson. He made it as a custom order in 1981 out of Columbus SP as a light touring frame. Rob says this may be the largest frame he has ever built -- seat tube 65cm c/c and top tube 60cm c/c. I'm glad I have it, as it's my perfect size.
Some features to note: the distinctive chrome "R" on the head tube, the custom made downtube cable stops that have a tubular form and the arrowhead lug cutouts.
By the way, Rob told me that having been out of the frame making business for quite a while, he was very pleased with the feedback he got regarding his bikes when he attended VR a couple years ago. It stimulated him to make a few frames since then and he may take a few custom orders from time to time.
http://www.wooljersey.com/
Note to Brian -- you'll see in the photos that I took your suggestion and removed the poorly done gold lug lining, that was almost certainly not original to the bike. I agree that it looks much better without it! And, if you get a chance, some time show these photos to Rob. As you know he does not have a computer, but he said he'd like to see the photos of the built up bike.
Cheers!
David
David G. White
Burlington, VT