Ron Cooper on Ron Cooper

cooper

Ron Cooper is a legend in frame-building. He started as a fifteen-year-old apprentice with A.S. Gillott, and his frames have come to define the very best of the British lightweight style. He talks about the early days learning from master frame-builders like Jim Collier and Bill Philbrook, his own racing career and his commercial success in the US in the 1970s. Along the way he explains the technique and motivation needed to hand build more than 7,000 racing frames. Having turned 79 in June this year, Ron Cooper is still building three mornings a week.

Look out for the cover story in Rouleur 19 on Ron Cooper, with photos (including the above) by Nadav Kander.

  • http://zencyclist.wordpress.com/2010/08/08/the-bike-show-a-recommended-podcast/ The Bike Show – a recommended podcast « Zen Cyclist

    [...] – fascinating)!  As I write these words I am listening to an interview with Ron Cooper, a 79-year old frame builder as he reminisces over his life in the cycling world and some 7000 frames he has [...]

  • Ted

    Raced a Cooper from early seventies until 1999,. Had to repaint three times. Magnificant feel while on my local Vermont hills. It hangs on my wall nag get out from time to time. I owe mr. Cooper a lot for all the joy and pleasure he gave racing across our green hills . Thank you ever so much. Ted Cronin

  • John the Monkey

    Fantastic interview Jack, and very nicely handled (the odd prompt to keep things moving, but not obtrusive or in the way of Mr. Cooper telling his story). One of my favourite bike shows for sure.

  • Mark Stevens

    I think that the track rider Ron is having trouble remembering would be George Senftleben from Luxembourg. He rode a Gillott track bike. I would love to know which other Champions Ron built frames for.

  • http://thebikeshow.net/return-of-the-jack/ Return of the Jack | The Bike Show – a cycling radio show and podcast from Resonance FM

    [...] okay, it’s been a long break since the last show went out in August. Thanks to everyone who’s enquired as to my health and well-being and [...]

  • Suzanne Ahern

    Ron you built me a road and track bike back in the 70s and I would like you to buildn you to build me another as you are still the best- Suzanne Ahern 34th Normads