How much is my 1981 Ross Signature Tom Kellogg worth? Reynolds 531
08-05-18, 07:53 AM
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How much is my 1981 Ross Signature Tom Kellogg worth? Reynolds 531
I may have stumbled across something special. This Ross f/f has a 45cm long chain stay so I’m guessing it’s a sport/touring model. Bottom of BB is stamped 200 2312 so this must be model 200 in size 23”. Like seen on the other Ross signature model 294s..... as in 294-1925, 294-2125, 294-2325, 294-2525
It’s not mint but I’d rate it 9/10 condition. No dings or dents but it does has some scratches. It only has one Reynolds 531 decal on ST that reads butted tubes forks & stays. Has a 27.2 seat tube.
It’s not mint but I’d rate it 9/10 condition. No dings or dents but it does has some scratches. It only has one Reynolds 531 decal on ST that reads butted tubes forks & stays. Has a 27.2 seat tube.
08-05-18, 08:49 AM
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08-05-18, 08:49 AM
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FYI, the '12' in the model designation is the colour code - Peacock Blue.The Road Criterium and Track models were red and white respectively with Columbus tubing, while the Touring mode was blue with Reynolds 531, so everything points towards the Touring model. It's hard to provide an assessment based on a single detail picture.
08-05-18, 09:09 AM
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08-05-18, 09:13 AM
#5
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Serial number
sorry for the slow upload. Some of these pictures were taking a while to upload.
Here is the serial with braze on date.
08-05-18, 06:49 PM
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T-mar, thanks for explaining that color code. This color Blue is a nice color. I read somewhere he used DuPont Imron paint.
08-05-18, 09:58 PM
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Very nice frame but I disagree with your 9/10 assessment based upon the issues shown in the photos. I have seen these bikes complete listed on Craigslist with asking prices around $500.00. That is with Campagnolo components. They seem to take awhile to sell and probably don't get full price but that is simply a guess based upon the length of time listed.
Did you happen to check ebay completed sales?
Not trying to throw cold water on the thing, it has some appeal for sure. If I were looking for a 531 frame/fork, I'd maybe go $150.00 for it.
Did you happen to check ebay completed sales?
Not trying to throw cold water on the thing, it has some appeal for sure. If I were looking for a 531 frame/fork, I'd maybe go $150.00 for it.
08-06-18, 04:35 AM
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Very nice frame but I disagree with your 9/10 assessment based upon the issues shown in the photos. I have seen these bikes complete listed on Craigslist with asking prices around $500.00. That is with Campagnolo components. They seem to take awhile to sell and probably don't get full price but that is simply a guess based upon the length of time listed.
Did you happen to check ebay completed sales?
Not trying to throw cold water on the thing, it has some appeal for sure. If I were looking for a 531 frame/fork, I'd maybe go $150.00 for it.
Did you happen to check ebay completed sales?
Not trying to throw cold water on the thing, it has some appeal for sure. If I were looking for a 531 frame/fork, I'd maybe go $150.00 for it.
As to sale price, these don't come up a lot. Last one I saw was complete and the seller was asking 1200$. I can't say that's out of line pricing but also can't tell you if he got that much. Frame alone, I think about 300$; it might go for a bit more. Consider this a American custom and price in that range. There are likely no current completed ebay sales, though these do show up now and again. I would pay $300 for one in a proper size, which this bike is not (proper size=62cm).
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08-06-18, 07:18 AM
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I can’t find much information on this early Ross Signature touring geometry frame. I’m under the impression this is one of the few high end hand built frames Tom Kellogg built himself being out of full Reynolds 531 w/Campagnolo eyelet dropouts.
I read he didn’t produce many of these touring frames. That maybe lass than half of the total Tom Kellogg hand built Ross Signature frames were touring. This frame is dated May, 1981 and numbered 036. I can only assume it’s the 36th frame he built in this touring geometry model. Probably the reason I can’t find much information since so few were built.
The original owner purchase it new back in 1984 from a local small bike shop near Milwaukee. This bike shop slapped together a mixed array of low end Suntour parts that don’t do this frame set any justice. One nice part was the Jim Blackburn rear aluminum rack. He mentioned the frame came with factory paperwork dated 1981, unfortunately he misplaced/lost this paperwork. I’m hoping he stumbles across it soon but that’s just wishful.
It didn’t get a lot of use. He causally rode it and has stored it indoors. Said it was last ridden 20 years ago. Maybe I was too quick to assume condition of the frame set being a 9. I just know it’s not one that needs to be repainted and should be left “as is” for collector value. Like they say, “ It’s only original once”.
I read he didn’t produce many of these touring frames. That maybe lass than half of the total Tom Kellogg hand built Ross Signature frames were touring. This frame is dated May, 1981 and numbered 036. I can only assume it’s the 36th frame he built in this touring geometry model. Probably the reason I can’t find much information since so few were built.
The original owner purchase it new back in 1984 from a local small bike shop near Milwaukee. This bike shop slapped together a mixed array of low end Suntour parts that don’t do this frame set any justice. One nice part was the Jim Blackburn rear aluminum rack. He mentioned the frame came with factory paperwork dated 1981, unfortunately he misplaced/lost this paperwork. I’m hoping he stumbles across it soon but that’s just wishful.
It didn’t get a lot of use. He causally rode it and has stored it indoors. Said it was last ridden 20 years ago. Maybe I was too quick to assume condition of the frame set being a 9. I just know it’s not one that needs to be repainted and should be left “as is” for collector value. Like they say, “ It’s only original once”.
Last edited by Chriscraft760; 08-06-18 at 07:26 AM.
08-06-18, 08:57 AM
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What you were seeing was likely the 294s. This appears to be one of the actual Kelloggs. He designed the 294s (Ishiwata tubing; I believe Japanese built but am unsure on this); this one he brazed. In general, I agree with your overall assessment of the frame condition.
As to sale price, these don't come up a lot. Last one I saw was complete and the seller was asking 1200$. I can't say that's out of line pricing but also can't tell you if he got that much. Frame alone, I think about 300$; it might go for a bit more. Consider this a American custom and price in that range. There are likely no current completed ebay sales, though these do show up now and again. I would pay $300 for one in a proper size, which this bike is not (proper size=62cm).
As to sale price, these don't come up a lot. Last one I saw was complete and the seller was asking 1200$. I can't say that's out of line pricing but also can't tell you if he got that much. Frame alone, I think about 300$; it might go for a bit more. Consider this a American custom and price in that range. There are likely no current completed ebay sales, though these do show up now and again. I would pay $300 for one in a proper size, which this bike is not (proper size=62cm).
Good info and assessment.
08-06-18, 09:15 AM
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I just notice a circle logo inside the bottom bracket. It’s a Henry James BB. Not sure if this adds or takes away from the estimated price on this f/f.
08-06-18, 10:03 AM
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I think $300 is about it, on an eBay sale, then you have the fees of course, the time to take to pack and ship, buyers win all disputes, etc. So a $300 eBay sell might net you $235 (assuming buyer pays the shipping). Fees are charged on the gross amount (don't get me started complaining about eBay). Kellogg name is a big plus, Ross name is a minus. Relatively limited market for it.
If you are super patient, you might try for $400. You can really ask any higher price you want, if someone buys it, great. If not, adjust the price down. Sometimes you will find that one person that really, really wants it!
On any eBay sale with a gross transaction of $250 or higher, (and this includes the shipping cost, so you are going to be at or over the $250 mark), be sure to get signature on delivery, not just delivery confirmation. Savvy scammers will claim they never got it regardless of delivery confirmation, and eBay will rule in their favor, unless you have signature on delivery. Its just how it works on eBay.... Buyers rule!
I'd take some polishing compound to that fork. About half of that scrape will come out. Takes about 15 seconds.
If you are super patient, you might try for $400. You can really ask any higher price you want, if someone buys it, great. If not, adjust the price down. Sometimes you will find that one person that really, really wants it!
On any eBay sale with a gross transaction of $250 or higher, (and this includes the shipping cost, so you are going to be at or over the $250 mark), be sure to get signature on delivery, not just delivery confirmation. Savvy scammers will claim they never got it regardless of delivery confirmation, and eBay will rule in their favor, unless you have signature on delivery. Its just how it works on eBay.... Buyers rule!
I'd take some polishing compound to that fork. About half of that scrape will come out. Takes about 15 seconds.
Last edited by wrk101; 08-06-18 at 10:08 AM.
08-06-18, 10:17 AM
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...swell little frame, BTW. 
08-06-18, 04:19 PM
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I think $300 is about it, on an eBay sale, then you have the fees of course, the time to take to pack and ship, buyers win all disputes, etc. So a $300 eBay sell might net you $235 (assuming buyer pays the shipping). Fees are charged on the gross amount (don't get me started complaining about eBay). Kellogg name is a big plus, Ross name is a minus. Relatively limited market for it.
If you are super patient, you might try for $400. You can really ask any higher price you want, if someone buys it, great. If not, adjust the price down. Sometimes you will find that one person that really, really wants it!
On any eBay sale with a gross transaction of $250 or higher, (and this includes the shipping cost, so you are going to be at or over the $250 mark), be sure to get signature on delivery, not just delivery confirmation. Savvy scammers will claim they never got it regardless of delivery confirmation, and eBay will rule in their favor, unless you have signature on delivery. Its just how it works on eBay.... Buyers rule!
I'd take some polishing compound to that fork. About half of that scrape will come out. Takes about 15 seconds.
If you are super patient, you might try for $400. You can really ask any higher price you want, if someone buys it, great. If not, adjust the price down. Sometimes you will find that one person that really, really wants it!
On any eBay sale with a gross transaction of $250 or higher, (and this includes the shipping cost, so you are going to be at or over the $250 mark), be sure to get signature on delivery, not just delivery confirmation. Savvy scammers will claim they never got it regardless of delivery confirmation, and eBay will rule in their favor, unless you have signature on delivery. Its just how it works on eBay.... Buyers rule!
I'd take some polishing compound to that fork. About half of that scrape will come out. Takes about 15 seconds.
Signature confirmation on high end sales makes sense.
08-06-18, 05:20 PM
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I did have an item a few years ago, with delivery confirmed. Buyer said they never got it, then admitted after buying my item, they went on vacation for two weeks. They wanted me to refund the money.........
Also note technically, the post office does not offer tracking, they offer delivery confirmation. In my experience, items can go "off the radar" for a while, and then suddenly reappear as delivered.
08-06-18, 07:50 PM
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My biggest problem with tracking is the dopes at the PO not scanning it. Florida = Awful.
And why I refuse to ship a bike. Nadda!
And why I refuse to ship a bike. Nadda!
08-06-18, 07:57 PM
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I can’t find much information on this early Ross Signature touring geometry frame. I’m under the impression this is one of the few high end hand built frames Tom Kellogg built himself being out of full Reynolds 531 w/Campagnolo eyelet dropouts.
I read he didn’t produce many of these touring frames. That maybe lass than half of the total Tom Kellogg hand built Ross Signature frames were touring. This frame is dated May, 1981 and numbered 036. I can only assume it’s the 36th frame he built in this touring geometry model. Probably the reason I can’t find much information since so few were built.
The original owner purchase it new back in 1984 from a local small bike shop near Milwaukee. This bike shop slapped together a mixed array of low end Suntour parts that don’t do this frame set any justice. One nice part was the Jim Blackburn rear aluminum rack. He mentioned the frame came with factory paperwork dated 1981, unfortunately he misplaced/lost this paperwork. I’m hoping he stumbles across it soon but that’s just wishful.
It didn’t get a lot of use. He causally rode it and has stored it indoors. Said it was last ridden 20 years ago. Maybe I was too quick to assume condition of the frame set being a 9. I just know it’s not one that needs to be repainted and should be left “as is” for collector value. Like they say, “ It’s only original once”.
I read he didn’t produce many of these touring frames. That maybe lass than half of the total Tom Kellogg hand built Ross Signature frames were touring. This frame is dated May, 1981 and numbered 036. I can only assume it’s the 36th frame he built in this touring geometry model. Probably the reason I can’t find much information since so few were built.
The original owner purchase it new back in 1984 from a local small bike shop near Milwaukee. This bike shop slapped together a mixed array of low end Suntour parts that don’t do this frame set any justice. One nice part was the Jim Blackburn rear aluminum rack. He mentioned the frame came with factory paperwork dated 1981, unfortunately he misplaced/lost this paperwork. I’m hoping he stumbles across it soon but that’s just wishful.
It didn’t get a lot of use. He causally rode it and has stored it indoors. Said it was last ridden 20 years ago. Maybe I was too quick to assume condition of the frame set being a 9. I just know it’s not one that needs to be repainted and should be left “as is” for collector value. Like they say, “ It’s only original once”.
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Waste your money! Buy my comic book!
08-07-18, 06:57 AM
#18
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Thanks for sharing the information about color code and the fair appraisal on this particular 1981 frame set.
Reguarding paint condition. What condition is this 1981 frame in? Is there some kind of rating system or is it just personal preference.
Just something that comes to mind if anyone wanted to invest in making this paint perfect.
Tom Kellogg’s Spectrum Bike Co. does repaints.
Prices for steel frames are:
frame prep charge- $100
single color DuPont Imron paint job- $550
lettering stencils small - $50
lettering stencils large (down tube x2) $150
Plus shipping round trip would be around $80
Today’s total cost would be $930 for a complete repaint by Tom Kellogg’s Company. Hard to justify when this 1981 paint job still looks presentable. Yeah I’ll look into touching up the paint but only in the few spots it needs.
Reguarding paint condition. What condition is this 1981 frame in? Is there some kind of rating system or is it just personal preference.
Just something that comes to mind if anyone wanted to invest in making this paint perfect.
Tom Kellogg’s Spectrum Bike Co. does repaints.
Prices for steel frames are:
frame prep charge- $100
single color DuPont Imron paint job- $550
lettering stencils small - $50
lettering stencils large (down tube x2) $150
Plus shipping round trip would be around $80
Today’s total cost would be $930 for a complete repaint by Tom Kellogg’s Company. Hard to justify when this 1981 paint job still looks presentable. Yeah I’ll look into touching up the paint but only in the few spots it needs.
01-15-21, 09:50 AM
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Very nice. When I was a kid, I think someone who lived near me had one of these, and I could tell his bike was way nicer than mine. Now I know why!
01-15-21, 04:20 PM
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Ross Signature
I was working in a bike shop in New Jersey in the early 80s when the Ross Signature bikes first came out. The shop owners bought a pink MTB built by Jim Redcay.
I believe Redcay built the first frames followed by Kellogg and Jeff Duser.
I believe Redcay built the first frames followed by Kellogg and Jeff Duser.
01-15-21, 05:35 PM
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That's an absolute top tier American frame. What is that build? Double points for the water bottle. Those must be insanely hard to get.
01-16-21, 11:38 AM
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This is one that I was happy to be wrong about. It is a much nicer frame than I first imagined. Good luck with your rebuild. I'm sure it will be an excellent ride.
01-17-21, 10:36 AM
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I wanted to give an update about this Kellogg Ross.
It was posted for sale in the classifieds here about 5 months after this thread was posted. I wound up buying it. I spent a lot of time researching it, buying oe spec parts for it (where possible), and decided to go a slightly different route on a few of the components. While it is not how I initially envisioned the end result, I figured it was time to get it back together and ridable again with what I had, knowing I can make changes in the future. I'm going to start a separate thread about it another time.
Today I finished the initial assembly, and it's ready for some minor tweaks and a test ride.
It was posted for sale in the classifieds here about 5 months after this thread was posted. I wound up buying it. I spent a lot of time researching it, buying oe spec parts for it (where possible), and decided to go a slightly different route on a few of the components. While it is not how I initially envisioned the end result, I figured it was time to get it back together and ridable again with what I had, knowing I can make changes in the future. I'm going to start a separate thread about it another time.
Today I finished the initial assembly, and it's ready for some minor tweaks and a test ride.
01-17-21, 05:15 PM
#24
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Great information.
01-21-21, 08:30 AM
#25
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The half-step plus granny is perfect for this frame. Well chosen.
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