Hello from across the pond...I just came across your site searching for more information on Ron Cooper bikes. Sorry for the long post...for many years I have heard how good Ron Cooper bikes were and there was one shop in the area that would showcase his frames and for years I wanted one. but I didn't really have the chance until recently and I jumped at it. the guy was the original owner but didn't have the fork and he repainted the frame black and the only identifying feature was the diamond 'C' on the headtube.
the frame was not like any Cooper I had seen before (not that I had seen many); it was fillet brazed and not lugged, no decals, and the guy built it up as a fixie. a month after I found the frame, I heard of Ron's passing, may he rest in peace. I knew the frame was not going to be light and after striping the fixie parts, the frame was a little over 5 pounds. Since no decals, I had no idea what tubing Ron used, but from what I understand, many of his bikes didn't have tubing decals since he would mix tubing. but the weight didn't get me excited since I live with many hills in San Francisco. it took me a while to find a 1" carbon fork (I know, what a crime, but if I couldn't find a Cooper fork, it might as well be light). I've got Tony at A Bicycle Odyssey on the hunt for one. With some old parts and tubulars, I've got the complete bike just under 18 pounds. I've logged just about 200 miles on the bike and it is the best bike I've ridden...and I've ridden a lot of bikes. Everything from carbon to ti, aluminum and many steel bikes. I'm planning to have the frame re sprayed this winter and I have some 10 speed brifters and carbon cranks going on it and I'm going be riding it as much as I can! Thanks for having this thread.
