Bob Jackson (Vigorelli, etc)

Apparently not... http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/

Bob Jackson Cycles have the great pleasure to announce that they will
no longer be closing as planned on the 18th December.

Additional investment and support has been secured to ensure the
iconic brand of Bob Jackson Cycles will be continuing well into the
future whilst thankfully remaining at our historic Leeds factory. We
will continue to build and restore frames to our exceptionally high
standards and the current skilled team will be retained and expanded
to allow us to take on additional work, whilst investing heavily and
improving our processes and facilities to align with expected future
demand.

With immediate effect – We are now open to all retail and trade orders
and will be communicating some exciting news over the next few months
as we realign the business towards future sustainability whilst
protecting and building upon our amazing heritage.

We apologise and regret any confusion or distress our decision may
have caused over the preceding few months – but we fully intend to be
around for at least another 85 years – doing what we do best.

We look forward to welcoming both old and new customers to Bob Jackson
Cycles as we begin a new chapter in the long story of this incredible
company.

Ah good news, thanks.

Thats amazing news... especially during the covid crisis.

I was surprised that they were closing since many cycling shops have seen a boom during covid.

They haven’t been a bike shop for quite a while. They have no traditional retail side, just the frames and refurbs.

I just meant bike sales in general, though I suppose these days they’d be considered fairly niche being steel along with all the other old school accoutrements.

Any know the fork rake on the Vigorelli? Size 20.5", if that matters.

Hello future BFFs (or Nemeses)! Long time lurker, first time poster, Yadda yadda..

Just received my new Bob Jackson frame. Seems that I've managed to nab one of the last frames just before they shut as got it last week. A 21" Vigorelli in Oxford Blue.

I got them to give me the "BJ" on the top eyes/seat clamp area, as I liked that better. I had a great experience dealing with Donald and co. Very sad they've closed for good!

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Shiny.

Really nice! Wish I had asked for BJ on the seat stays, looks great.

Hello, past and present BFF!
That was good advice on the getting the metal badge..

I had originally been looking at a World Tour or Audax End-End and always liked the look of the "BJ" on seat stays. I requested them fully expecting Donald to say no, but instead he said it wouldn't be hard at all to do. Nice to have a BJ Vigorelli that looks slightly different to most.

Wait, they closed after all? That was like when Homer is running a marathon, gets exhausted, then gets a second wind and then gets exhausted again after like a second. 😕

That's the business world for you.. fully of hope and false promises.

Yarp! I ordered when they made the first announcement only to have the order cancelled. Then they emailed me with the triumphant news of being able to stay open and invited me to submit my order once again, which I promptly did luckily. Then they closed again and clsoed the website very abruptly.

There are smatterings of info and speculation over on the Retrobike forum:
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=419496&start=50

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve been meaning to ask them about this guy I’m building at the moment. Would be good to know the model / year. I was led to believe ‘75-76.

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Wow, that’s a beauty.

Anyone ever seen a BJ cycling cap? Been trying to find one for the longest time and thought someone might have a lead.

Nice looking frame. Is that British Racing Green? Making me consider getting my King of Mercia painted BRG at some point.
You frame looks similar to the Olympus Road model they were selling before they closed, but subtle differences.

I have one

It's a shame LFGSS members didn't organise to group buy BJ. Jokes aside I'm gutted this has come to pass.

I liked them a lot but I suspect their resistance to generous tire clearance and new models like adventure and gravel type bikes may have led to their demise.
I still believe in steel.

I've just bought this today.. Any idea on how to identify the model / tubing? it's got campag dropouts.. Don't think it's original paint..

Edit.. serial number is 11319, stamped on the fork steerer and below the BB..

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Anyone know the bottom bracket width on a Bob Jackson Vigorelli track frame? Bought it new in 2011.
About to order a Shimano UN-300.

68mm

Spindle length (if that’s what you’re after) depends on things.