Classic & Vintage - Is this one of the nicer Ross bikes?

I am wanting to go look at this bike. I asked for the full size pics first, so I can maybe get a better look? 600 triple crank, WTH? I have the money in hand, just need a little confirmation. Looks like arabesque, but
could be a frankentsein with all years of 600. I am thinking it may be a Signature since it has a brazed on
shifter or cable guide stop. It's been up for a couple of weeks with no takers, maybe just the "Ross bikes are glorified Huffy's" mindset. Can't get a good look at the fork crown or the lugs, sigh.. I would like to officially call it if no one else minds? At least until I can look at it in person that is:innocent:,,,,BD


http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1004286625.html

From the pictures, the pedals don't seem like they belong. Repainted frame? 26 pounds?

The 600 Arabesque is nice stuff and the listed weight seems to indicate a lesser frame... My '73 Raleigh Gran Sport (531) is just a spot under 22 when it is fitted with it's leather saddle and runs the same Arabesque group.

Wow, Bikedued... I thought you knew everything!

Well, he could be guessing on the weight, or using the old bathroom scale technique. An in person inspection is definitely in order I think. Yeah the pedals look like throw ons for sure. II will carry my scale with me, but it needs a battery. On to the local CVS:D.,,,,BD

I know a bit, but nowhere near the likes of T-Mar or Miami Jim, Bob Hufford, etc....;)

Here is my 1985 292S, it is listed in the 85 catalog as 25lbs. I agree that the pedals are strange, also the lack of downtube shifter bosses. The metal dork disk in the back is strange too. There were 3 signature bikes, but there were a few other lesser frames that were still made of cro mo, how you would be able to tell under a repaint is any ones guess. The bottom head lug is the same as my 292 though.

-Matt

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/3212585729_4e883cd6eb_o.jpg

Bikedued, to the best of my knowledge, the only really nice bikes Ross made were the Signature series and they are not generally considered "high end" but more mid level compared to bikes from other companies. Ross was better known for their good quality entry level bikes. Most of their bikes were Hi-tensile steel.
If you KNEW the frame was a Signature series, then it might be worth it. But with the owner not claiming it's Signature series, and with it being a repaint, I think there is a high risk of it being a very nice, low level Hitensile steel frame. If it were me, I'd pass.

Thanks, I was studyiing that bike in the Ross thread. I haven't heard back yet.,,,,BD

I would bet that only the better Ross frames had the word "Ross" in the seat stay caps

I would bet that only the better Ross frames had the word "Ross" in the seat stay caps

Yes - but that's not the bicycle that's up for sale. The one up for sale may have that as well. But can't be sure from the photo.

I know, the other bike pictured is mine...:) I was looking at the picture of it and a light bulb went on, so I was suggesting that Bikedued check for that on the other frame.

My Ross mtb has stamped drops but is made of Ishiwata 024. Not the lightest thing in the world, but also not high 10. Still have heard nothing. Must be one of those people that checks their email once a
day.,,,,BD

I would bet that only the better Ross frames had the word "Ross" in the seat stay caps

Dang, wish I thought of that. Good point!

given the triple 600 Arabesque crankset, I'd guess it's a Gran Tour or equivalent. If you're lucky it might be Ishiwata022...but the thing I'm concerned about is why just the front end is repainted, was there a head-on collision?

Bikedued, to the best of my knowledge, the only really nice bikes Ross made were the Signature series and they are not generally considered "high end" but more mid level compared to bikes from other companies. Ross was better known for their good quality entry level bikes. Most of their bikes were Hi-tensile steel.
If you KNEW the frame was a Signature series, then it might be worth it. But with the owner not claiming it's Signature series, and with it being a repaint, I think there is a high risk of it being a very nice, low level Hitensile steel frame. If it were me, I'd pass.

Not quite true. Observe this non-signature (I think) Ross:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=10336&d=1142615866
Ross Aristocrat, Ishiwata 024 frameset, 600 arabesque parts. Certainly comparable to the signature level bikes I've seen. But it's also the only one I've seen. There were some Grand Tours ( I think) that were similar.

Bikedued, to the best of my knowledge, the only really nice bikes Ross made were the Signature series and they are not generally considered "high end" but more mid level compared to bikes from other companies.

Oh my goodness no - the original "Signature" series bikes were beautifully built, first by Tom Kellogg and later by Jim Redcay, Jeff Duser (now with Kellogg at Spectrum) and one or two others. Some of those bikes are as nice as any non-custom frame you could buy, and often had high-end Campagnolo components. Ross then muddied the waters, much the way Schwinn did with the Asian PDG Series Paramounts, by importing the Asian-made "Signature" bikes. Those are distinctly mid-level, and sometimes not so very well executed. But decent. But the original Signature Series bikes are quite special and unusual to encounter - and they have a signature-type decal with the builders name on one chainstay.

I know, the other bike pictured is mine...:) I was looking at the picture of it and a light bulb went on, so I was suggesting that Bikedued check for that on the other frame.

Don't know if BD has gone to check it out yet, but that bike definitely has something white on the seat stay tips at the cluster, just pointing it out. Might be another clue to whether it's good or not.
-Gene-