jish1969

I checked this bike out on Sunday but couldn't commit, even though the price was right. I then could not sleep right until today. The frame was too small and had some dents on the top tube, but it was wearing a full Shimano 600 Arabesque group! I called the guy back today and he took the posting down for me so it mine! The crank is a triple also, so I am well on my way now to realizing my dream of a vintage moderate tourer, just missing the frame is all. These pics are from the seller and I will post more on Friday when I have the time. The frame isn't super terrible but it is just too small for me, and it's I****awa 024 chromoly. It will most likely end up on the for trade thread. Cant wait to pick up and start taking it apart!

jish1969

Did that really just edit the frame material

EjustE

Nice catch! It's an 1982. The saddle is not original. Here is the catalog page:

jish1969

Hmmm...so I guess its not the arabesque then, I wasn't sure in the first place-it just looked like it to me with all the detail...DARNIT!!! I just sold a pair of NOS to 23skidoo in Jan, hehe. Oh well that's how it goes...

EjustE

1982 Shimano 600 EX = Shimano 6200 (not 7 or 8) = "arabesque". You are fine

jish1969

ahhh...thanks

buldogge

That there was my first roadbike...brought it here to STL from Boston for college...I wish I had never got rid of it. Funny thing is, I donated it to the co-op that I scrounge most of my bits from now...back in 1988 or 89...weird.

I had lined all the lugs PINK (complimented the taupe actually)...hell it was the mid-80's and I think it matched the stripes on my shorts...gimme a break.

I loved that bike.

-Mark in St. Louis

nlerner

Just about a year ago, I was biking to work when I came across a pair of these bikes sitting at the curb on garbage day. Needless to say, I locked up my bike and walked the two Ross bikes home. Both had complete Arabesque groups. I have to admit that I sold the components off on eBay and gave the frame sets to a local friend/bike flipper, who built them up as single speeds to sell off as commuters to local college kids. At least they didn't end up in the landfill!

Neal

nebraskan57

I have two Ross touring bikes: a Burgandy '82 and a Black '83 . The '82 is pristine; the '83 a little rougher cosmetically, still sharp--bought it last week for $75. Both have the 600 arabesque full set ups, 232 Iwatsu frames, etc. 62 CM frames.
I will pick up an 84 Raleigh Pursuit, also in mint condition. $75 I know that the Pursuit is a lower end Raleigh, however, it has a 575 SL frame and upper level shimano equipment. The 575SL frame is used on higher end Raleighs (Criterion?) and ditto with the equipment. So, I guess it is a "Pursuit Plus" ?? It has been recently completely re-conditioned and ready to ride--so $75 is cheep.
Anyway, I like the ride of the 80's steel frames, as I'm a bigger fella. Stuck in the 80's I am...

3speedslow

At least it still is 600 level. I think you did okay.

mountaindave 

Welcome @nebraskan57!

mountaindave 

Only if you add an extra T in Ishiwata.

nebraskan57

Iwatsu frames...sheesh.

I guess I had phone systems on the brain, rather than bike frames...

Anyway, my Phone system is fine (work), and my frame should be fine, as well.
The Raleigh will be a Commuter. Has a nice rack already. Just need fenders and a new Pannier and a light.

77 degrees today. Need to get new tires/tubes on a couple of bikes ---and get outside and RIDE.

Unfortunately, there is lots of road debris ( gravel, dirt, glass, etc) still on the roads around here, eased only by the late April rains. Guess I'll stick to inside bike set ups/Air-Dyne, and local bike paths, until then.
I hate flats!

Glad to be here. Thanks.

nebraskan57

Correction: I looked thru the other posts on this site re: dating Ross Bikes, took down #'s and here is what is indicated.

Burgundy Ross --built in April 1981. ( CBC-Allentown) Super Gran Tour XV Professional-Red Round Ross badge on front headset
Black Ross--built in August 1979. ( CBC- Allentown) Super Gran Tour Professional-Red Round Ross badge on front headset

It would be nice to have the actual Ross Factory dating system/serial #'s checker.
Although, hats off to those who members who provided the sequencing of the Ross serial numbers, to show date of manufacture.

My orphans have birthdays.

Thank you.

nebraskan57

Have had LBS go thru and update '79 Black Ross Professional and it rides very nicely. Love that frame. I'm a bigger fella. Next nice day, I'll get it out in the sun and snap pics.

The Raleigh tuned up nicely and is headed to med School w/ my son.

So nicely was the Ross, that I picked up another "79-80 Black Ross Professional Frame and Fork, and am going to convert this 'un to a Hybrid/Commuter, w/ my LBS talent. It lived in New Jersey, until Larry sent it out to Nebraska. I will let you know how it comes out, Larry.

It has been a strange Winter/Spring. Lots of cold, snow, rain, and crap. Not many miles so far...but maybe next week ?

From the looks of the weather patterns, it is country wide.