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Anybody know the history of Ross bikes?

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Anybody know the history of Ross bikes?

Old 08-20-08, 07:22 PM
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the bike that I saw had Shimano 600 with the incredible engraving. Is that what Arabesque is? My size is 55/56 btw...
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Old 08-20-08, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by deburn
A steal...really? Wow, I passed on it thinking Ross bikes werent very good in general. I just emailed the seller to see if he still has the bike. Unlikely, but I'll buy it if he does!

btw, what is the difference between double and triple butted? And what are EX tubes? Thanks for the info

Bernard
These frames were very good. The Ishiwata tubing is triple butted, which means the thickness of the tubing varies in three different sizes (or thicknesses), which results in stiffness where you need it, and compliance where you don't need stiffness. The Signature series bikes of the 80's weren't built by Tom Kellogg, as the earlier Signature bikes were, but the frames were designed by him, and the assembly line that built them was set up by Mr. Kellogg.
If you do wind up with the bike, you'll notice how easy it is to ride these machines for miles with almost no fatigue. I still think my 292s is the best riding bike I've ever been on. It's just so smoooooooooooth.
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Old 08-21-08, 08:24 AM
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Thanks Duane for the explanation of butted. Is that something you can tell by looking at the bike? In case there's no sticker.

Here's a pic of the bike I saw, it's gone btw

Originally Posted by duane041
These frames were very good. The Ishiwata tubing is triple butted, which means the thickness of the tubing varies in three different sizes (or thicknesses), which results in stiffness where you need it, and compliance where you don't need stiffness. The Signature series bikes of the 80's weren't built by Tom Kellogg, as the earlier Signature bikes were, but the frames were designed by him, and the assembly line that built them was set up by Mr. Kellogg.
If you do wind up with the bike, you'll notice how easy it is to ride these machines for miles with almost no fatigue. I still think my 292s is the best riding bike I've ever been on. It's just so smoooooooooooth.
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Old 09-02-08, 11:20 PM
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I have a Ross Europa made in Allentown, PA. I was curious if any one has specs for it.
thanks!
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Old 09-03-08, 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by commuterX
I have a Ross Europa made in Allentown, PA. I was curious if any one has specs for it.
thanks!
You can download catalogs here.

My ROSS Eurotour
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Old 09-22-08, 07:37 PM
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Ross Signature 290S

I saw a matched pair of Ross Eurotour 5's at a church rummage sale the weekend before last, on sale for $10 each; I hesitated because they were 24-inch wheels, too small for me, and I wasn't sure whether I could resell them. Once I read up on them on this thread, I decided to buy them...too late, they were gone. So, last Saturday, I found a Ross Signature 290S at a garage sale and I bought it. Seller asked $15 and I offered $10. It needs a lot of work, though. It's been ridden hard -- or abused. Chainring crank threads stripped, broken pedal, dropout bent inward so the derailleur pushes into the wheel spokes -- and both wheels need truing. And new tires. But I'll fix it up. me and the LBS, anyway.
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Old 09-22-08, 09:00 PM
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The Signature Series are great ones to get. Those things are easily fixed and it could be a very nice ride..I'll tell you before everyone else does....We need pictures!!! We all love to see new projects..
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Old 09-22-08, 09:13 PM
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May have a new to me Ross Gran Tour II by this weekend.

Should make a good project.

ETA Pictures:



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Old 09-23-08, 09:10 AM
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I've got an 84 Gran Tour I'm reluctantly looking to part with. It's a 62 or 63cm. A bit too tall for me. I know this isn't the for sale thread so anyone interested pm me for more details...
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Old 09-23-08, 09:21 AM
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Brandenjs, I will certainly provide pictures of that 290S as soon as I get it back from the LBS. And of the other bikes I own. I've been meaning to post in the "Catch of the Day" thread since June, when I first obtained the Pinarello, Bianchi and Raleigh for three dollars, but I haven't because I don't have photos yet. Maybe by this weekend for those. The Ross won't be back before next week.

And thank you for the reminder!
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Old 09-23-08, 11:19 AM
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Cool , I usually watch that thread also. Those are some great finds, and in my price range also..
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Old 09-25-08, 08:38 PM
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I have a Ross Mt Washington, with the cro-mo tube frame & Shamino 100GS package, and the bio-pace SG grearing. Obviously I was a total idiot - since I purchased the bike new in 1991-or 1992, for big bucks - around 3 bills. Yeah, Yeah, I know.. The reason I bought the mountain bike was because I was destroying the alloy rims on my grand tour - the bike shop owner said I was too heavy and needed a mountain bike? (195#, 5"11") maybe it was because I was riding gravel roads....anyway, the Mt Washington has been "resting" in the basement for avout 8 years now and I want to get it back on the road. other than tires and tubes - and maybe a good grease job what do you think??I have loved my Ross bikes and even picked up a tall frame heavier model at goodwill for 6 bucks - So since I got my bike in 90-91, but they wern't making any more Ross bikes then.. where is mine from?? vin # I120102197 any input would be appreciated.thanks muchk
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Old 09-26-08, 07:37 AM
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You really did'nt spend too much back then for that bike. That was about what a bike with those components were going for. I spent $350 on my Trek 820 in 90 with comparable components. I don't think your weight had anything to do with destroying wheels. It was more likely the roads you were riding. There are alot of heavier people riding more fragile equipment than that. I was 215 (down to 190 now..Thanks to cycling) when I started riding my Gran Tour and have'nt hurt the wheels yet. I'm not sure where the Mt.Washington was built but search back thru this thread and I'm sure you can get more info.
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Old 09-26-08, 03:15 PM
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Mt washington Ross

thanks - so I wasn't taken to the cleaners? I took my bike out of the basement this am - am going to the bike shop to have new tubes & tires, at my age the last thing I want is a flat - lol
I did put air in the old tires - and so far so good...
but why take chances - also anyone on the vin# I would appreciate some input -
kmk
ps she still rides like a dream!
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Old 09-27-08, 05:17 PM
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New here!

I just found an old Ross with drop bars, in excellent condition, it appears to be full Shimano but no other ID on the parts that I can see.

Labels are in excellent condition with both Utopian and Exus. Looks like the family was Utopian and the version was the Exus. The tubing seems to be ishiwata CroMo 024 steel frame.

It has the Rectangular "R" headbadge that puts it in the '80's and it is a 12 speed. It is runninig Weinmann Rims and Mallard 35 spoke hubs. I plan to go through and clean it up, as best I can, and use it as a training aid to learn how to repair my own bikes.

Once I have it bright and shinny I will use the eyelets,to mount a rack and use it as a commuter and fun bike.

Can anyone provide any more history or information on this bike?
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Old 09-27-08, 05:43 PM
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Welcome to the forum. This thread has been around for quite awhile. Sounds alot like my 84 Gran Tour. If you can post some pictures we could ID it better.. Mine has the Shimano Z series friction shift 12 speed. Check my photobucket link for pics of mine..
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Old 10-23-08, 09:39 PM
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Here is his new line its called the "stepper" Ross Bikes


Last edited by andre77; 10-23-08 at 09:43 PM.
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Old 10-23-08, 10:14 PM
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Yes they are cool, if you go back through this thread you'll see some of the Ross family have made lots of posts here. They are a cool family...
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Old 10-23-08, 10:49 PM
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I was just given a MTB frame this week. It's a lugged black Ross with canti bosses, made of Ishiwata 024 tubing. At least I think it's a MTB, I haven't thrown a wheel on it yet, hehe. Stamped drops though.
It has the Hi Tech decal on the top tube. No guess on the year. Early 80's I imagine.,,,,BD

Pic tomorrow afternoon if I can remember.....

The frame looks like this one.....

https://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2008/cc...lwood0108.html
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Old 10-28-08, 09:51 AM
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^I just picked this up today.
Early 80s Mt St Helens
Nice, solid bike with Ishiwata EX Triple butted CrMo tubing
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Old 11-03-08, 11:22 AM
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Hi,

I was surfing web and looking for info on Ross when I found this site.

Back in the middle 80's, I bought a Ross Signature from a dealer who had had it for a couple of years and was ready to get rid of it. It was a Tom Kellogg signed sport tourer. Made of 531 db throughout. It had a mixture of early Deore and 600 components. Front chainring is Deore half-step/granny with Dyna-drive pedals.

This is a beautifully made bike and I am still riding it. In fact, I'm sending it back to Tom Kellogg @ Spectrum for fork modification and a refinish. Don't know where I going to find "Ross" decals thought.

Best
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Old 11-03-08, 03:22 PM
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That's sound pretty nice..We must have pictures...Either now or when you get it back..Those are hard to find.
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Old 11-03-08, 03:29 PM
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what are they?
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Old 11-06-08, 10:25 AM
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I have read this old thread all of the way through, so I thought I would add to it - I just bought a 3 speed Ross cruiser bike at a grage sale for $10. It is dirty as heck, but I have been cleaning and have ordered parts from Niagra to put it back together.

It's a pretty cool cruiser, as it has a stick shift for the Shimano 333 hub. I do have photos, but I am going to wait until I have "after" photos to add in. The model is "central park".

Photos to follow
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Old 12-13-08, 01:38 AM
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Vintage Ross 290S

In 1990 I purchase a Ross Signature 290S 12 speed from local pawn shop. I estimate it to be equivalent to a 57cm and to have been manufactured in 83' to 85. A little rough, but all original components in tact and the bike was in pretty good condition. I rode for a couple of years until I bought another bike. In 2003 I shipped the frame and fork to Waterford Bikes (Wisconsin) to be completely refurbished to original condition. All logos were hand painted in original format. The result is such a beautiful Vintage Bike that I've only ridden it once since it was restored. Although a little heavier than today's road machines, this is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and beauty. It is really an attention grabber when shown.

Last edited by pioneers51; 12-13-08 at 01:41 AM.
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