Ron Cooper Handcrafting bicycle frames since 1946

Ron Cooper Ron has been building frames since he was fifteen years old, starting in 1947 when he began a full apprenticeship at A.S. Gillott Cycles, London, England.  He learned his craft from the finest frame builders in England, most notably Jim Collier.  He was an avid racing cyclist, and the enviable skills Ron acquired at A.S. Gillott were paralleled by his accomplishments on the road.  He was selected for the National Cycling Team, The R.A.F. Cycling Team, and later, for the London Center Team in the 1952 Tour of Britain (Milk Race).  In 1967, Ron left A.S. Gillott to build frames under his own name, and by 1970, he set up a small shop in Honor Oak Park, S.East London.  Ron continues to work today in Dartford, about 20 minutes from his old shop in Honor Oak Park.  His Frames From taking the initial order to stapling the crate for shipping, it's a one man operation.  There are no apprentices—just his dedication to making the best bicycle frames in the world.  Working from a mock-up of the customer's order on his drawing board, without a jig, and using traditional free hand brazing, he produces frames of superior strength and responsiveness.  With the emeregence of large bicycle factories and assembly line production, the use of jigs has become widespread.  Ron strongly believes that brazing frames in a jig creates internal stresses and, therefore, will not use one . There are many myths currently running rampant in the bicycle industry. Many alternative materials have been presented recently and there are many claims of lighter, stiffer frames.  Steel frames of the past have been heavier than some of the current "high tech" frames.  Until now, no one has pushed the steel frame to its full potential.  Ron can build a frame that is as light as many aluminium and composite frames, but is much stiffer and more efficient, without sacrificing comfort.