Ron Cooper 80/81

Not quite a new project as I completed it last year .... Been meaning to post it on here for a while just been sidetracked with all things cycling :)

I rescued this as frame/fork from a good friend who had it hanging in his garage for 10 years .. I remember seeing it from time to time but never had an interest in old frames back then..

Anyway I was scouring everywhere looking for a nice retro project and after few months of looking I remembered my mates old frame(we lost touch for a bit)

I contacted him in the nick of time he was moving and had to get rid of loads of cycling gear.. Deal was struck and I also found out he had most of the bits in a box for the frame !!!

Here's how I got it and with sourcing a few parts to complete she's ready for l'eroica Britannia :)

Well will need clips n straps ;)

I know there is a fair bit of post showing don't worry it's a long post .. Frame is 53 square and I'm all legs .. Had a bike fit few years back and a 53" top tube was recommended but I ride mostly 54's or close too..

Having extremely long legs means all my bikes have a lot of post showing

I confess to having never heard of Ron Cooper till I started researching and it's fair to say he was one of the best ...

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Stripped and cleaned frame/regressed headset/bb

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

Mix of 70's/80's Campagnolo which I like... And don't have deep pockets ;)

Wheels spin well after regrease and rims are gorgeous ...

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

As she is today

Untitled by Plus one2010, on Flickr

I have the date of frame around 1980-81 with info garnered from various folks using serial number and lack of braze on shifter mounts ..

Not enough Coopers on here ;)

I have seen this on retro bike
Lovely job done !!!

Gorgeous bike, your friend must have had a very dry garage! Also that's some epic saddle to bar drop!

Great looking frame, go for modern Sram after l'eroica:

Ha! After seeing this maybe I'll sell the SRAM, get some vintage Campag and give L'Eroica a go. ;-)

^^^^Gorgeous bike.

Cheers guys ... I remember seeing it hanging up years ago thinking what an ugly paint job !!! Being hands on with it it's only grown on me and it's stunning in the flesh ...

Yes dry indeed thankfully and looks to have had the indignity of sporting some sort of clip on mudguards as I had to touch in paint on both seat stays :(

I'm quite flexible despite being over 40 ;)

Great looking frame, go for modern Sram after l'eroica:

Lovely these old frames take modern kit well :)