Re: [CR]Celeste (?) Ron Cooper; please help

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: <youngc@netreach.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Celeste (?) Ron Cooper; please help
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 11:11:15 US/Eastern

Well, though disinclined to criticize others' aesthetic sensibilities, I'll enter into this discussion. I concur, in part, with Steven's assessment that Vlad should repaint if he doesn't like the color or doesn't want to provide endless responses to those who confuse it with a Bianchi. I believe that Ron's handiwork is certainly on a par with the Bianchi Reparto Corsa works. I also concur with Chuck that Bianchi doesn't have a lock on celeste as a color.

I disagree slightly with Steven in that I do think that Ron's bikes will fetch top value someday. Though less widely known than the Italian marques, the fact that Ron built all of the frames by himself will be appreciated in the future. Witness the past discussions on the list of the merits and desirability of Sante-built Pogliaghis, Faliero-built Masis, Denny-built Hetchins, etc. For this same reason, Sachs, Baylis, and other solo builders will also be more highly prized than those from famous name brands that may be built by any number of different (and sometimes highly competent/unsung) but anonymous builders working as employees or subcontractors.

Charlie Young (2) British Racing Green Ron Coopers - one a repaint due to the original finish being to far gone, the other original. Honeybrook, PA

Steven wrote:
> Vlad --
>
> My question is, are you buying the bike as a rider, or as a collector?
>
> If you're buying it as a rider, and you don't like the color, then get it
> repainted, man!
>
> As much as I am a fan of Ron Cooper, he's simply not as well-known anymore
> as some of the Italian builders (or Italian/Californian builders), and from
> a collector's perspective, I don't think Ron's frames will ever fetch
> top-dollar.
>
> Did you buy the bike as an investment, or as an extremely nice, very
> well-built bike to ride?