Rob van Oel Columbus SL frame, straight fork?
09-01-22, 09:00 AM
#1
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Rob van Oel Columbus SL frame, straight fork?
Hi everyone!
I bought a Rob van Oel Columbus SL frameset that has an amazing color (in my opinion) and is the perfect size for me.
My question is about the unusual fork shape. I'm not used to seeing straight forks in older traditional frames. Do you think this fork is the original fork of this frame? Is there any way of knowing this? I would like to know before starting the build.
I cannot find any more information on the brand since it was a small shop that used to build handmade custom frames in the Netherlands. Any extra information I can get on the brand or on this frame is appreciated. Thanks!
I bought a Rob van Oel Columbus SL frameset that has an amazing color (in my opinion) and is the perfect size for me.
My question is about the unusual fork shape. I'm not used to seeing straight forks in older traditional frames. Do you think this fork is the original fork of this frame? Is there any way of knowing this? I would like to know before starting the build.
I cannot find any more information on the brand since it was a small shop that used to build handmade custom frames in the Netherlands. Any extra information I can get on the brand or on this frame is appreciated. Thanks!
Last edited by gulencocuk; 08-10-23 at 10:12 PM.
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09-01-22, 09:07 AM
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I'll say probably not. The strait blade fashion with single bottle and top tunnel guides. It's just a guess your frame is about '83-'84, and the fork is '90s
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09-01-22, 09:38 AM
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Thank you for the responses. It seems I will be on the lookout for another fork 
Last edited by gulencocuk; 08-10-23 at 10:08 PM.
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09-01-22, 12:39 PM
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I think non-fixie knows more about this brand.
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09-02-22, 03:50 AM
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Thanks, fabiofarelli for the heads-up! Great to see another Rob van Oel here.
I own a Rob van Oel, but I still know very little about them. Rob van Oel owned a bike shop in Gouda, Holland, which existed at least between 1972 and 1986. I have been in touch with a former shop mechanic, who told me that my bike was probably made in Belgium. Possibly in Geraardsbergen by a man called Luc De Smet or Desmet, IIRC. This points to Thompson, a company started in 1921 by Hector De Smet. Famous Belgian riders such as Briek Schotte and Roger De Cock rode Thompson bikes. Thompson is still in business: Thompson website.
If your frame was originally sold by Rob van Oel it is very likely to have been made in Belgium, but not necessarily by the same manufacturer as mine. Many Belgian frames were supplied to Dutch shops by Wout Verhoeven, a wholesale trader, who sourced them from multiple companies. I know Dija (now Achielle) and Martens (Martelly) were among them. Maybe De Smet was too. It could also be that Rob van Oel ordered his bikes directly from a manufacturer.
What puzzled me for a while, is the "R" panto.I only recalled seeing those on Jan de Reus bikes. Jan de Reus did build his own frames, but he also sold Belgian frames at a lower price point. Those were provided by Wout Verhoeven ...
However, a search in my archives did yield a picture of another Rob van Oel that also features the R. And a Columbus decal. It also shows what the original fork may have looked like:
I own a Rob van Oel, but I still know very little about them. Rob van Oel owned a bike shop in Gouda, Holland, which existed at least between 1972 and 1986. I have been in touch with a former shop mechanic, who told me that my bike was probably made in Belgium. Possibly in Geraardsbergen by a man called Luc De Smet or Desmet, IIRC. This points to Thompson, a company started in 1921 by Hector De Smet. Famous Belgian riders such as Briek Schotte and Roger De Cock rode Thompson bikes. Thompson is still in business: Thompson website.
If your frame was originally sold by Rob van Oel it is very likely to have been made in Belgium, but not necessarily by the same manufacturer as mine. Many Belgian frames were supplied to Dutch shops by Wout Verhoeven, a wholesale trader, who sourced them from multiple companies. I know Dija (now Achielle) and Martens (Martelly) were among them. Maybe De Smet was too. It could also be that Rob van Oel ordered his bikes directly from a manufacturer.
What puzzled me for a while, is the "R" panto.I only recalled seeing those on Jan de Reus bikes. Jan de Reus did build his own frames, but he also sold Belgian frames at a lower price point. Those were provided by Wout Verhoeven ...
However, a search in my archives did yield a picture of another Rob van Oel that also features the R. And a Columbus decal. It also shows what the original fork may have looked like:
Last edited by non-fixie; 09-02-22 at 01:22 PM. Reason: typo
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09-02-22, 07:10 AM
#9
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there is a three-digit serial on the bottom bracket shell, something like 838 or 833. I can see nothing similar on the steerer.
non-fixie Thank you very much for the detailed information, it's clear that they are pretty rare.
I will post some photos once I complete the build!
non-fixie Thank you very much for the detailed information, it's clear that they are pretty rare.
I will post some photos once I complete the build!
Last edited by gulencocuk; 08-10-23 at 10:04 PM.
09-02-22, 08:04 AM
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I saw you bought the frame from Jos van Veldhoven, here in Eindhoven NL. Could'nt he tell more? Mostly he's good informed.
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09-02-22, 08:27 AM
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Yes, Jos van Veldhoven is the seller! I asked him several questions about the crown race that I need to use, and he suggested JIS. I asked for more information and I will give an update here once I get a response from him.
It's nice to know that my seller is a well-known person in the area
---- edit: I received a response. The seller bought the frame and the fork as a kit from a collector's heirs. He said that he also shares our suspicion about the fork. Still, I think it is a good match until I find another fork.
It's nice to know that my seller is a well-known person in the area
---- edit: I received a response. The seller bought the frame and the fork as a kit from a collector's heirs. He said that he also shares our suspicion about the fork. Still, I think it is a good match until I find another fork.
Last edited by gulencocuk; 09-02-22 at 10:42 AM. Reason: added extra information received from the seller
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09-02-22, 02:47 PM
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Yes, Jos van Veldhoven is the seller! I asked him several questions about the crown race that I need to use, and he suggested JIS. I asked for more information and I will give an update here once I get a response from him.
It's nice to know that my seller is a well-known person in the area
---- edit: I received a response. The seller bought the frame and the fork as a kit from a collector's heirs. He said that he also shares our suspicion about the fork. Still, I think it is a good match until I find another fork.
It's nice to know that my seller is a well-known person in the area
---- edit: I received a response. The seller bought the frame and the fork as a kit from a collector's heirs. He said that he also shares our suspicion about the fork. Still, I think it is a good match until I find another fork.
Yep, this far down the line we need to be glad anytime we get reasonable quality, good nick replacement parts that fit the bill even if only temporarily. 
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09-04-22, 06:43 AM
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The shop in Gouda in 1962.
And, on the right side, in 1976.
And, on the right side, in 1976.
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12-08-22, 04:23 PM
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Finally, I completed the build! In the end, it's paired with a Columbus Minimal fork.
Last edited by gulencocuk; 08-10-23 at 10:10 PM.
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12-08-22, 04:30 PM
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Thanks for the update, gulencocuk ! The black accents work well with this frame. Nice!
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12-08-22, 04:58 PM
#17
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Thanks for the update, gulencocuk ! The black accents work well with this frame. Nice!
Last edited by gulencocuk; 08-10-23 at 10:07 PM.
