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Looking for ideas and opinions on the "Ross Signature" Custom or team frame

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Looking for ideas and opinions on the "Ross Signature" Custom or team frame

Old 10-07-13, 10:51 AM
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that_guy_zach
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Looking for ideas and opinions on the "Ross Signature" Custom or team frame

I picked this up to build a bike thats more spirited than my 650 Trek. The person I got it from bought it in a lot so he had no info on it.

On the NDS chain stay there is the name or Gaily







Rifled steer tube

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Old 10-07-13, 11:07 AM
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that_guy_zack-

If it's really a Ross Signature (check the seatstay caps for ROSS embossing) it's a nice bike. Tom Kellogg was the original designer and there is a link to Forum info on Ross bicycles. There are photos here and here of various Ross bicycles as well. However, the rifled Columbus style steerer and the style of fork crown lead me to believe you have a re-sprayed Italian frameset. You may want to check for Italian threading. As well, the frame shifter bosses look odd.
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Old 10-07-13, 11:20 AM
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I forgot to add that the front and rear drops are Shimano.
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Old 10-07-13, 12:15 PM
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Interesting! and cool...IIRC Tom Kellogg was the main builder but not the only guy who made the top models...can't recall whom the other torch-bearers were. It does look like the rifling in the steerer is the Columbus style (curving) rather than Ishiwata or Tange (straight), but can you verify: 5 ribs or 6? Is that BB shell an Hitachi or a Roto (can't enlarge the pic on my computer to see)?
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Old 10-07-13, 12:38 PM
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This might help you out a little

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-of-Ross-bikes
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Old 10-07-13, 12:48 PM
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I might be off base here, but the Ross logo looks really off, and the pump peg seems anachronistic for the time period the Ross Signature bikes were being produced.
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Old 10-07-13, 12:59 PM
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I know of the normal signature models well, have had a few. Im just interested in this one and trying to figure out what it really is.


Just seems like a lot of trouble for someone to paint and decal a nice frame like this as a Ross, as well as the fact that there is a riders name on the chainstay.

Counted 5 ribs in the steer tube, Curving. And Shimano drops front and rear. And yes, 27.2 post. The BB shell does not seem to be a roto, cant find the Hitachi.

Last edited by that_guy_zach; 10-07-13 at 01:10 PM.
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Old 10-07-13, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by that_guy_zach
I know of the normal signature models well, have had a few. Im just interested in this one and trying to figure out what it really is.


Just seems like a lot of trouble for someone to paint and decal a nice frame like this as a Ross, as well as the fact that there is a riders name on the chainstay.

Counted 5 ribs in the steer tube, Curving. And Shimano drops front and rear. And yes, 27.2 post. The BB shell does not seem to be a roto, cant find the Hitachi.
OK, it has a Columbus steerer, at least.
The hitachi BB shell will have this logo (logo only, not the name) cast in.
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Old 10-08-13, 09:42 AM
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Yeah it has the Hitachi logo
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Old 10-08-13, 11:56 AM
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seems like it could be a Signature "Triad" which did come with that BB shell, forkcrown and Columbus tubing (SL?). Yours might have ben customized for "Gaily" whoever that was, with the pump peg and possibly re-sprayed, too.
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Old 10-08-13, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by unworthy1
seems like it could be a Signature "Triad" which did come with that BB shell, forkcrown and Columbus tubing (SL?). Yours might have ben customized for "Gaily" whoever that was, with the pump peg and possibly re-sprayed, too.

Thats the one. I was not aware of that model. Thank you for the help.
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Old 10-08-13, 05:31 PM
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Jim Redclay built Signature frames for Ross. Could be one of his.
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Old 10-09-13, 07:52 AM
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Found some good info here-
https://thezenofcycling.blogspot.com/...ragged-in.html

Tom wrote: "The frame design was mine, the same exact design I developed for the first Ross Signature racing frames. Unlike the rest of the Ross bicycles made over the years, the Signature frames were real hand built frames, as good as any made at the time. I was very proud of what we did there. The guy who built that 508 was good enough that I hired him away from Ross and he is still working for me to this day, twenty six years later. You've got a little piece of history."

The only caveat to add is that Tom had left Ross in 1983 and Jim Redkay was running the shop by then. In all likelyhood, Jeff Duser _did_ make the frame, but the 508 Triads were built by a team consisting of Jeff, Juan Rodriguez, and Dave Rodriguez (hence the 'triad'). So truth be told, I don't know for sure if Jeff actually built my frame. I asked Tom for more detail, but I haven't heard back. He's probably tired of me annoying him (like you don't know that's possible).
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Old 07-23-19, 04:15 PM
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I am the original owner of a Ross Signature Triad which I still have, the 63 cm pink frame purchased directly from the Ross showroom in Commerce, CA in 1985. The stamped numbers on the bottom are 508 6316 84 107. I had it built up at a bike shop in Pasadena with Shimano Dura Ace bottom bracket, chain rings, and cranks; the remaining components are Shimano 105 I believe. I competed as an age group triathlete (international distance) for several years.
Since 1990 it has been used off and on for fitness riding. First generation Time clipless pedals were installed in the early 90s which have since been replaced by Speedplays. As my age got higher and my speed got slower, I could no longer do justice to the flashy hot pink paint and had the bike refurbished and painted burgundy in the mid-90s by Cycle Art in San Diego county; at that time a cracked bottom bracket was replaced.
At age 60, the 53/42 chain rings coupled with a 6 speed 13-24 became impractical for my knees, and I bought a carbon fiber Storck with more appropriate old man gearing. I am torn between keeping the beautiful Ross for flat rides or selling it to someone who would appreciate it for the classic it is. I am taking it to have it refurbished by Joe Bell in San Diego whose work is very respected.
Is there a market for it?
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Old 07-23-19, 05:30 PM
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63 is a pretty large frame. If your serial numbering is consistent with earlier Signature series type Ross:
508 = model number
63 = size
16 = paint color code
84 = 1984
107 = 107th model 508 manufactured.

Depending on condition, there should be some market for it, although the Ross name does carry a heavy "low end" stigma attached to it. The 508 would be an exception, obviously. Post a few more times, and let's see some pics of yours!
Here's a spec pic from the '85 Ross catalog:


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Old 07-23-19, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by kilimanjaro98
I am the original owner of a Ross Signature Triad which I still have, the 63 cm pink frame purchased directly from the Ross showroom in Commerce, CA in 1985. The stamped numbers on the bottom are 508 6316 84 107. I had it built up at a bike shop in Pasadena with Shimano Dura Ace bottom bracket, chain rings, and cranks; the remaining components are Shimano 105 I believe. I competed as an age group triathlete (international distance) for several years.
Since 1990 it has been used off and on for fitness riding. First generation Time clipless pedals were installed in the early 90s which have since been replaced by Speedplays. As my age got higher and my speed got slower, I could no longer do justice to the flashy hot pink paint and had the bike refurbished and painted burgundy in the mid-90s by Cycle Art in San Diego county; at that time a cracked bottom bracket was replaced.
At age 60, the 53/42 chain rings coupled with a 6 speed 13-24 became impractical for my knees, and I bought a carbon fiber Storck with more appropriate old man gearing. I am torn between keeping the beautiful Ross for flat rides or selling it to someone who would appreciate it for the classic it is. I am taking it to have it refurbished by Joe Bell in San Diego whose work is very respected.
Is there a market for it?
Just how bad is the paint? It’s sort of hard for me to imagine that it makes financial sense to get a Joe Bell paint job and then sell it, especially when it already has a Cycle Art finish.
I have one of the Signature bikes and keep shouting about how nice it is, but I don’t think I’ve made enough headway for you to expect big dollars. Most people will still under appreciate a Ross, even one as nice as yours.
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Old 07-23-19, 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by kilimanjaro98
I am the original owner of a Ross Signature Triad which I still have, the 63 cm pink frame purchased directly from the Ross showroom in Commerce, CA in 1985. The stamped numbers on the bottom are 508 6316 84 107. I had it built up at a bike shop in Pasadena with Shimano Dura Ace bottom bracket, chain rings, and cranks; the remaining components are Shimano 105 I believe. I competed as an age group triathlete (international distance) for several years.
Since 1990 it has been used off and on for fitness riding. First generation Time clipless pedals were installed in the early 90s which have since been replaced by Speedplays. As my age got higher and my speed got slower, I could no longer do justice to the flashy hot pink paint and had the bike refurbished and painted burgundy in the mid-90s by Cycle Art in San Diego county; at that time a cracked bottom bracket was replaced.
At age 60, the 53/42 chain rings coupled with a 6 speed 13-24 became impractical for my knees, and I bought a carbon fiber Storck with more appropriate old man gearing. I am torn between keeping the beautiful Ross for flat rides or selling it to someone who would appreciate it for the classic it is. I am taking it to have it refurbished by Joe Bell in San Diego whose work is very respected.
Is there a market for it?
I would say you have very much come to the correct place! I had a later 1985 Ross Signature 294S that was a beautiful, classy, and great-riding bike. No matter what components I put on it, it always enjoyed being on the road. Black with a silver head tube. It was my first real vintage bike that was my size and I fully overhauled it with its original Campagnolo Triomphe groupset.

As for a market for these, it will be very small as few are familiar with Ross, fewer are familiar with their top-level Signature models, and fewer still are aware of the Triad. Tom Kellogg and Jim Redcay, among a few others, were builders for Signatures in that part of the '80s. Other skilled builders did the later work (always hand made), though that can get a little murky.

It's crazy to hear that someone, anyone, has a Triad, let alone a Super Record-equipped Signature Road Criterium. And a 63cm! As such, you very much have my attention! Is your 63cm frame a center-to-top or center-to-center measurement? What is the top tube length? Were any frame angles listed or provided?
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Old 07-23-19, 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by RiddleOfSteel
I would say you have very much come to the correct place! I had a later 1985 Ross Signature 294S that was a beautiful, classy, and great-riding bike. No matter what components I put on it, it always enjoyed being on the road. Black with a silver head tube. It was my first real vintage bike that was my size and I fully overhauled it with its original Campagnolo Triomphe groupset.

As for a market for these, it will be very small as few are familiar with Ross, fewer are familiar with their top-level Signature models, and fewer still are aware of the Triad. Tom Kellogg and Jim Redcay, among a few others, were builders for Signatures in that part of the '80s. Other skilled builders did the later work (always hand made), though that can get a little murky.

It's crazy to hear that someone, anyone, has a Triad, let alone a Super Record-equipped Signature Road Criterium. And a 63cm! As such, you very much have my attention! Is your 63cm frame a center-to-top or center-to-center measurement? What is the top tube length? Were any frame angles listed or provided?
Funny you said that about the Triad. Literally yesterday I was looking at the Ross catalog online, saw that bike, and thought to myself, hey, I have never seen one of those either live or on the web.
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Old 07-24-19, 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by RiddleOfSteel
I would say you have very much come to the correct place! I had a later 1985 Ross Signature 294S that was a beautiful, classy, and great-riding bike. No matter what components I put on it, it always enjoyed being on the road. Black with a silver head tube. It was my first real vintage bike that was my size and I fully overhauled it with its original Campagnolo Triomphe groupset.

As for a market for these, it will be very small as few are familiar with Ross, fewer are familiar with their top-level Signature models, and fewer still are aware of the Triad. Tom Kellogg and Jim Redcay, among a few others, were builders for Signatures in that part of the '80s. Other skilled builders did the later work (always hand made), though that can get a little murky.

It's crazy to hear that someone, anyone, has a Triad, let alone a Super Record-equipped Signature Road Criterium. And a 63cm! As such, you very much have my attention! Is your 63cm frame a center-to-top or center-to-center measurement? What is the top tube length? Were any frame angles listed or provided?
The seat tube is 63 cm center to top and the top tube is 60 cm. To be clear, it is equipped with a mix of Shimano Dura-Ace and Shimano 600 (thanks to another forum member for correcting me as I originally said some of the components were Shimano 105). I don't know the angles.

I have an appointment to take it in to Joe Bell tomorrow for a complete refurbish and to keep for myself unless someone is willing to "make me an offer I can't refuse" as is. One major imperfection on the underside of the top tube paint; maybe an energy drink leaked on to it. A few minor imperfections elsewhere.
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Old 07-24-19, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by kilimanjaro98
The seat tube is 63 cm center to top and the top tube is 60 cm. To be clear, it is equipped with a mix of Shimano Dura-Ace and Shimano 600 (thanks to another forum member for correcting me as I originally said some of the components were Shimano 105). I don't know the angles.

I have an appointment to take it in to Joe Bell tomorrow for a complete refurbish and to keep for myself unless someone is willing to "make me an offer I can't refuse" as is. One major imperfection on the underside of the top tube paint; maybe an energy drink leaked on to it. A few minor imperfections elsewhere.
Pretty long frame for the height--you will have to post pictures of it, past or present, just so we can admire it!
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Old 07-24-19, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by RiddleOfSteel
Pretty long frame for the height--you will have to post pictures of it, past or present, just so we can admire it!
Yes!!! We'd love to see some "before" pics!!!
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Old 07-26-19, 06:17 PM
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Wow. Thanks for the interest and input. As it turns out after considering the options I have decided to refurbish the bike and keep it. I took it into Joe Bell in San Diego this week - great guy. He spent a couple of hours with me going over shades of paint color, modification ideas, etc.

For those interested in the details, I have decided to return it to its original pink color with recreated Ross decals.. I have also decided to update it as much as possible - widen the space between the rear dropouts to accommodate 21st century gearing, switch to brake handle shifters, etc. I know the vintage crowd is going to berate me for desecrating the temple, but I am already going to get ridiculed for being so slow while riding such a flashy colored bike, so what's a little more abuse.

I attempted to post pictures, but this site will not allow me because I do not have the minimum number of posts necessary to reach that inner circle status. Sorry. If I somehow pass the audition process, I'll post them.
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Old 07-26-19, 06:57 PM
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pic assist https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/14652517

Is this you riding it?




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Old 07-26-19, 07:01 PM
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Yes!!!!! I don't know how these pictures got there because the site told me "no can do" when I attempted. The riding picture is its original pink 1986. The red was when I was dropping it off to Joe. It still won't let me post others.
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Old 07-26-19, 07:06 PM
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You are in good company with the updating. The 7k+ posters on this thread will have your back.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...i-s-ergos.html
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