1983/4 Ross Signature Series Mt. McKinley
01-21-20, 07:22 PM
#27
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01-22-20, 09:37 AM
#28
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It says "Mt. McKinley," the name of the model. It is interesting, to me, that Ross chose a series of west coast mountains as names for their mountain bikes. A nod to the west coast origin (that's right, isn't it?) of mountain bikes, I guess.
Would the numbers stamped into the bottom of the B/B shell contain any information about builder?
580 2529
84 020
I assume they mean 20th bike of 1984. Maybe Model #? Maybe number out of all Custom shop bikes? I don't know.
I read that Tom Kellogg was there for two years, but that he probably left Ross before 1983.
Would the numbers stamped into the bottom of the B/B shell contain any information about builder?
580 2529
84 020
I assume they mean 20th bike of 1984. Maybe Model #? Maybe number out of all Custom shop bikes? I don't know.
I read that Tom Kellogg was there for two years, but that he probably left Ross before 1983.
25 is the frame size,in inches.
29 is the colour code (Concord Blue)
84 is year of manufacture
020 is the sequential frame number for the year
At this time, Redcay was at Ross. Signature models were designed by him but not necessarily built by him. However, you have two things in your favcour. That S/N format was used on Kellog and Redcay built frames. It is also lugged. The other Ross Signature series ATB model in 1984 was the Signature 586 (aka Mt. Whitney) and it was TIG welded. If Redcay was building any ATB model it would have been the top of the line, lugged, Mt. McKinley.
Redcay wasn't one of the ATB pioneers, so despite his frame builder reputation, they don't command the same esteem as something like an early Ritchey or Fisher of the same era. However, they are still quite desirable, as Ross were well respected in the day, thanks to the sponsorship of the Ross Indians, arguably the first professional ATB team, which won a number of races during the this period. The team bicyces were Mt. McKinleys.
I still think the way to go on this is a part out. The hubs and seat post are quite desirable and the most of the rest just doesn't fit a high grade ATB of the era. Anybody who wants the frame is probably going to seek out OEM spec equipment. Also, 25" is huge for an ATB frame, so that will limit potential buyers. Finally, they're also going to have to invest in repaint and re-decal, so that will further limit what they will offer. They'll be investing a big chunk of money, so I don't see much money in the frame even if it a Redcay. However, if you get two people bidding against each other on something like Ebay, you might get a pleasant surprise.
01-22-20, 10:15 AM
#29
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The serial number on my Kellogg Ross reads 200 (model) 2412 (size) 09 (month) 81 (year) 082 (sequence number of 1981) as I understand it.
Yours being model 580, size 25", year 84, the 20th bike built that year sounds about right.
As for the name, Mt. McKinley is the highest peak in the US, so the top of the line bike is named accordingly. I think the lesser models were named after smaller mountains in order of height / place in the lineup.
Yours being model 580, size 25", year 84, the 20th bike built that year sounds about right.
As for the name, Mt. McKinley is the highest peak in the US, so the top of the line bike is named accordingly. I think the lesser models were named after smaller mountains in order of height / place in the lineup.
Ross model numbers were comprised of the model code, size and colour code. In your case, the model number would be 200-2412.
01-22-20, 10:57 AM
#30
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'2412' is actually a combination of the frame size (1st and 2nd numerals) and the colour code (3rd and 4th numerals). In this case, the '12' indicates Peacock Blue.
Ross model numbers were comprised of the model code, size and colour code. In your case, the model number would be 200-2412.
Ross model numbers were comprised of the model code, size and colour code. In your case, the model number would be 200-2412.
01-27-20, 01:09 PM
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opps, didn't realize how different your Ross Signature & mine are so there's no price comparison between the two. I do think the seat mounting, handlebar mounts, brakes being unusual & the overall quirkiness of it is really cool.
01-27-20, 01:23 PM
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Not sure if this applies to this bike but when I was researching my 924S Signature road bike the original handmade frames were built by Brian Redcay & were identified by the letter "K" in red paint on the head badge (a red "K" for Redcay)
08-06-23, 06:35 PM
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Is a 1983 Ross Utopian a good bike?
Ive been looking for a Ross Paragon but recently saw a Ross Utopia that my brother in law owns from 1983. Does anyone have any info on this bikes quality? Thanks.
08-07-23, 05:22 AM
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search, read through, and post your questions, pics, etc in that thread.
paragon is "better" than a utopian.
Likes For hazetguy:
08-07-23, 06:10 AM
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As you will find if you read the various threads on Ross bikes, that they had a range of quality. Some are very, very well built and outfitted. And of course, they also made their share of "department store" quality bikes as well. I have seen a "Signature" model up close and it was nicely constructed.
08-07-23, 06:28 AM
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Some paragon & utopian info and specs can be found in this post/thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...l#post22202169
search, read through, and post your questions, pics, etc in that thread.
paragon is "better" than a utopian.
search, read through, and post your questions, pics, etc in that thread.
paragon is "better" than a utopian.
