Well for one thing, when one Googles the history of the Bob Jackson brand, there are discussions about time-periods when the bikes were not that great, some ownership changes etc.. Lots of posts on threads about their arrogant attitude at the company and how one previous ownership period drove them almost into the ground, and the revitalization into what they are now.

I know that in the 1970s they were at the top of the game. From what I remember, they were right there with MERCIAN etc. And there is some connection to Merlin as well. So at the time of my post, I was and am not sure of exactly what level of Bob Jacksonism that I actually have.

I'm going to tear her down as a winter project and then detail everything, take my time and very carefully put her back together. I can mix the color and brush-touch the nicks etc. (My auto-body background) -

And sure, if you guys would dig seeing my man-cave AKA hoard, that could be arranged as well.

As per being a braggart, you know, I thought it was a mind blower find and some of you would dig the weird way I got this bike. We all know that typically if one looks for something like this it seems almost impossible. Then when you are about to give up on the dream and when you least expect it, jumps out and bites you. And to be my frame size.. Well, the whole thing being now just 24 hours old, still blows my mind.

I'm going to have some free time over the holidays so I'm going to get right into this bike.

Today I was playing with it a little on the work stand and the rear DR is very tight, balky to down-shift, the steering is very tight, but doesn't appear to be brinelled. I also noticed this afternoon that the brakes were switched to motorcycle style, with the front being the right control. (It's funny, I've been a dirt bike rider my whole life and I would never swap my bicycle to match the motorcycle configuration and have never had any problem with grabbing the wrong brake handle. But this set-up will get switched back to proper before I ride it a single mile.)

That all being said, my head is still spinning about this one, and thanks again everyone for the advice and words of encouragement, I am just ecstatic to finally have a Bob Jackson in the stable.