Hello 'Fiends,

Here is another for the growing 1980s Ross section: a 1984-ish Ross Signature 294S. It has a Ishiwata 024 lugged frame with Tange fork. I built it up with Campagnolo Record parts off a 1982 Colnago I rode at that time. Note the debossed "Ross" name on the seat stays, the star shaped braze-ons for the water bottle mounts, the fully sloping crown, and contrast painted lugs--all stock. I added a Campagnolo drop-bolt on the rear brake ( I think it originally came with 27" wheels, a bit bigger than the current 700c Super Champion 'Gentleman' 'clinchers'), a Cinelli Giro d'Italia bar and A-1 stem, vintage Benotto tape (wrapped 'candy cane' style which seemed fancy yet period appropriate before the neon colors of the later 1980s), and a Concor 'Profil' 'superleggera' seat (aluminum rails and suede cover). The head tube decal says, in small letters, 'Allentown, PA'. Sadly, Ross and Ishiwata are both defunct now, but their glory lives on here. I have a fully chrome Ross Mt. Whitney I hope to built up, which will complete my Ross collection (the Mt. Hood posted earlier) and then will rest in peace. Many thanks!

eric elwood
peoria, Illinois

eelwood@uic.edu