Thinking about putting this in the cupboard for a rainy day. I know the name Bob Jackson as being up in the better echelons, and 753 is something I've never ridden. Opinions most welcome...

Bob 753

In my opinion, Bob Jackson should not have been allowed to use 753.

I have met the man and one of his sons too. Nice chaps, but it was a business, 753 really required love to do right.

well, ok, but wasn't a welding test or sample required to build with 753?

I've never owned a bob jackson, but my impressions are more in line with repechage as far as reputation; upper echelon might be pushing it. As far as 753...it's really not that different from most 531 and I'm sure what the builder did with it in relation to your preferences is more relevant than the material. There are a few different 753 variants as well.

If the price is right (and the color scheme isn't a turn off) give it a shot.

I remember a review from the day describing the ride as "lively" and that you need to keep an eye on the handling.

Jackson made any number of basic designs and would also build to suit.
Any "ride" report I think is specific to that bicycle.
The frames in the 70's were reasonably straight and of wide variation of build quality.
Bottom bracket shells were a weak point, in terms of the parts selected and how they were mishandled pretty often.
No Campagnolo tool kit, or equal used at least in the 70's.
The paint and chrome were the best part, in that they were most consistent.
The place was a multi person frame shop, let's assume that one or more could have been able to pass the 753 "test" that evolved over time and became easier.
My take from the "world view" of the enterprise after speaking to Bob and his son on different occasions was that they liked bicycles, but it was a Business venture foremost.

Thanks chaps. Nothing really to add except a man and the tube type to my collection. £150 was his lowest so I'm going to say no.

Very different is closer to the case. 753 is thinner and made to tighter tolerances and was recommended only for the main tubes. Temperature have to be kept lower and silver solder is recommended for for lugs. If I recall correctly when mine was built there were 7 guys in the US who met the certification qualifications.

That may be true, but doesn't preclude them from being capable of making some very nice frames. Mine is beautiful and probably the best riding bike I have ever been on.

No argument there. I really like my early 70's Colgagos. But I don't consider them really well built.
A good design though, and very well in the 1970's pro bike aesthetic.

I would feel more secure on a 531 tubed Bob Jackson. The tubing is more forgiving to build with.

I owned a bob Jackson, and liked it well enough until I bought something superior.

It's marginally thinner than 531db and a hair lighter. Tube diameters are similar (there are different versions).

It also says 120 spacing. Does that date it at all?