Trying to Identify This Builder
 

Hello all. I'm trying to identify the builder on this bike so I can figure out if the price is fair. It's a nice lugged frame with a Cinelli bottom bracket lug. The logo looks like a fancy K. It's on the fork and the rear brake bridge, which also looks very cool. Not sure how old the frame is, but I it looks like a fresh build. Vintage Dura Ace. Any direction is appreciated.

KenEvans? (Australian)

Ken Evans Frames, Ken Evans Racing, Ken Evans Bike Frames

SP
OC, OR

excellent guess!

Wow! Thanks. Definitely the right "K". He looks like a great builder. Will post pics if I can work a deal.

The BB shell has the "new" Cinelli logo, so no older than around 1980.

Hope you get it... looks like a nice frame.

Welcome Jagman - what's your country/state?
Frame looks nice - we love pics of lugs, if you buy.
I learn something new every day - Ken Evans.

[QUOTE=Wildwood;17167099]Welcome Jagman - what's your country/state?
Frame looks nice - we love pics of lugs, if you buy.
I learn something new every day - Ken Evans.[/]

I did end up buying the bike. It was an interesting buying experience, as I'm not a guy that usually buys vintage bikes, no less one that is from a builder that isn't one of the well known builders or build houses and especially any bike that I have no reference point for pricing. The guy I bought it from kept insisting that Ben Serotta built the bike. Looking at the seat tube lug, I doubt that Serotta built it because the lug still has a casting plug mark on it. I would have expected nicer finishing, unless he was testing out a tube set for Ken Evans. Who knows? The frame had been in storage for years. The paint has scrapes all over the place, much more than I would usually tolerate. However, there was no rust, which means an easy repaint, if I choose to do so. Full Dura Ace 8 speed that looks barely used. It's rolling on clean DA hubs built on a 24 hole Mavic SUP Ceramic rim set. This bike needs very little to become my favorite. Zero rise stem, new hoods, bar tape, saddle, a coat of wax and a little elbow grease. Maybe one day she'll get new paint and decals, or if I can't get used to down tube shifters again.....well, that will be a topic for another post. For now, it's a badazzed little race frame that's pretty stiff but still comfortable, despite using 20's. I forgot how skinny those things were! Pics will go up when the rain stops in Florida

Sometimes those buying experiences stick with the bike's mystery, or history or something.
I've often been advised to consider overcoating those rustless scars, or the whole bike. not bad advice if the decals are intact.
I have such a buying experience story recently,....... but ... time for a new thread.

[QUOTE=Jagman327;17173391]I've made more than one buying decision based heavily on a NOS or VGC grouppo. I went Campy but would love a review of DuraAce8, remember they were smoother than Campy.

[QUOTE=Wildwood;17173560]Let me start by saying that I've always been a Campy guy. I love the solid engagement (clunk). I've never ridden any vintage Campy, though. From my brief test rides, the DA is very smooth. It's not indexed, so it's as accurate as I am. Great feel, no slack, smooth and accurate shifting. It's going to be a while before I am comfortable with the down tube shifters and super skinny tires Fortunately, I don't have to shift much in Florida. The brakes are great. Can't wait to try them out with new pads on those ceramic rims. The hubs are also smooth and feel very fast. The bike rolls forever. The guy I bought it from is a working bike mechanic who makes a side living selling vintage bikes. Everything is set up, lubed and clean. You can see the condition in the early pics. I'm could be becoming a DA fan.

A very nice looking frame, congratulations on the score. Where are you in Florida, if you don't mind my asking? I'm up north of Pensacola, about 3 miles off the western Alabama border, Escambia county.

Bill

That K pantographing certainly looks like Kenevans. Pull out the fork. Is there a 4 digit number stamped into the steerer? There should be one on the BB shell as well, but Ive never seen a Kenevans with a Cinelli BB before, so am unsure if he stamped them.

Any pantographing on the seat stays?

It's a Ken Evans. His logo and his brake bridge and fork crown.

He used Cinelli brackets and Campagnolo dropouts/fork ends. Edit: on at least some of his bikes... as QV points out below.

He did use Campag tips and dropouts on most of his bikes, but I know the Cinelli BBs aren't used on every bike. all the ones I've seen, and the one I own do not have a Cinelli BB.

The he best way to know for sure is if there's a 4 digit code. If this is one of his older frames, then even contacting him won't help too much. He does not have all the records anymore, and unless you've got one of the special ones(Aus Olympic use, etc), then I'd say he won't remember.

Pantograph on the seat stays, brake bridge and fork crowns. Campy dropouts. Obviously a Cinelli bottom bracket lug. One decal on the top tube says professional. It's surrounded by a KE style set of stripes. I was told that it's probably Columbus SL. The lugs are very basic, nothing fancy at all. Still waiting for the rain to break so I can take some pics. She looks good from afar but far from good.

Sunny day in Florida. Here are some more pics as promised. As you can see, the finishing on the lugs and the paint is not A+, but it is built solid as can be. Haven't had a chance it clean it up or change the saddle or pedals yet. I wonder if he made a cheaper model with less finishing for real racers, guys that are less hung up on cosmetics and more about performance.


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Thanks one and all for the help in identifying this frame. Ken Evans makes one hell of a frame.

I finally got got the fork pulled. It actually has a 5 digit serial number stamped into it, not 4 like I've seen on all the forums. Hmmm?

That's odd. Pic of the number, and does it match the BB number?

I LIKE that bike! Color would match my truck almost perfect! Red Is Fastest!!!:)

Thanks! It's going in the classifieds at some point....but not quite yet. :lol:

Let me know when you do. I may be interested.

It has a Cinelli BB. (See first post with pics). I don't remember seeing a SN on the BB, but I just got back. From a week on the road. Will try to pull the fork and take another look. I went by what the shop said when they pulled it. Will let you know.