Howdy,

Since I was a boy in the 1970s, I've always wanted a Bob Jackson. They are pretty rare around here and I've only seen a couple of them in real life. Guess I've been doing good lately after my fabulous 1972 Mercian Vincitore score of two months ago.

So, yesterday, on a motorcycle business related road trip from my home in Northwest Indiana, I find myself in Nashville TN. I am at the home of a motorcycle business associate, and as we pass through the garage, I spot this BOB JACKSON laying in a pile of bikes!

Casually, I mention; "Hey Don, what's with the Bob Jackson?"

He replies that over twenty years ago, he was owed some money by a local bike shop guy for some motorcycle deal they had going. They guy convinced him to take as a partial trade, this Bob Jackson frame-set that had been hanging on the wall for some time and the shop owner did a build-up in new Shimano 600.

So, he goes on to explain that he rode it once or twice and it has been wandering around the garage for a couple of decades. Then he proclaims that I am the only person who has ever spoken a word about it and asked me if I knew what it was. I replied that yes indeed, I knew about them and they were made in Leeds England. I said casually that this example was also coincidentally my frame size. He then told me that it was too tall for him anyway and that's why he never really rode it. (The saddle was all the way at the bottom, in these images I have raised it to look around that area)
So, he says: "Do you want to buy it?" Of course I replied that "yes, I would like to own it"
Then the usual "what will you give me for it?"

I said "Please Don, let's not do that, just tell me what you think it's worth and I'll decide"

He says: MERRY CHRISTMAS and GIVES IT TO ME FOR FREE!

Took these images this morning still covered in dust and cob-webs. The tires still have the flash on the center-line. Looking closely at it, there are some minor abrasions from garage wear, but I'm pretty sure this bike is new! It is actually red, but some of the photos look more orange. I'll post more when I get to looking at it and measure it etc.

The S/N is 22384 (I'm not going to pay Bob Jackson Cycles to tell me how old it is, so if any of you can give me an approximate date from this number, I would appreciate it. My guess is about 1990-92

I love the bottom bracket and lugs, it's Reynolds 853.

Jim

Deal of the year. Bob Jacksons are outstanding bikes.

Wow.

I just noticed it has Bob Jackson dropouts. I don't remember seeing those before.

Zowie. Did he make that BB shell as well? Cool bike.

My date guess of 1990-92 is related to what Don told me and the Shimano 8-speed group. I'm not an expert, comments are appreciated. But the frame may be older having hung on the wall for some time?

Very cool bike and great story! I recall this model being featured in a "steel is real" issue of Bicycle Guide, around 1995/1996 (orange, black and white paint scheme), so this may be from around that timeframe.

Enjoy when the weather permits

DD

Hoss Cartright is a bragger in the first order ......someone gave me a huffy santa-fe once but it does not compare ..............what a great Christmas present <------- (oops not politically correct)

I'm Jewish, and the word Christmas does not offend me. No one is waging war on Christmas, I promise.

Yes, and when he says "Merry Christmas" I about stroked-out. Right before he said that, I was forming a plan to go to a bank and get a cash advance on my VISA card....

Yeah. I'm kinda thinking this guy gets upgraded from "business associate" to "friend."

As for useful comments... what, "wow" wasn't specific enough for you? How about: "Nice! Needs a custom saddle!"

You ought to give him something in return. That's a steal.

Hubba hubba...love the lugs and color scheme.

Great story, great bike. That lug style is new to me - very unique, and I like it.

Reynolds 853 is tremendous tubing, and it was introduced in 1995, so DD's memory appears sharp as ever.

Merry Christmas indeed - that's one you won't forget.

I don't usually like red and yellow schemes but it works on that bike, great score! I still think the ti Panasonic is the deal of the year but this is probably second but that is up for debate (as always )

OP you should definitely send that guy a christmas ham and a bottle of wine or something. Thanks for sharing the story!

Or how about relative? Methinks this guy should get a standing once-monthly home-cooked meal invitation and a mention in the will

DD

My guess is that once the weather warms up and you get that bike on the road, the Paramount(s) will see little riding time! I prefer 853 to 531 and am guessing you will too. Enjoy and make sure to report back once you have had it out on the road. Awesome score!

Beautifull bike.....

Man! That is a beauty. I really dig the paint and lug work, and the bottom bracket is boss.

I believe all great classic and vintage bikes should go to a deserving and loving home. Apparently Don thought so too. Congratulations, and remember, the ball is in your court now!

Great story, and what a bike! Congrats on your new ride!

Awesome score.

Bob Jackson seems to have been building to a "vintage style" fairly late, if the '95 date of the tubing is any indication.
The geometry seems very upright, what do you think the bike was built for?
Great looking bike, and merry Christmas to all!

The BB shell looks so much like a Primato! Beautiful paint scheme. It is indeed one heck of a Christmas gift.

That's great. Those trussed lugs and BB shell are very cool. That's a frame worthy of some nice kit; modern if you're open to it.

I think the stem is just throwing you off. That frame was built for going fast.