An amazing visit to see a Framebuilder ...

[biggs682]

will have some news on this in a few days

 

[biggs682]

Quick update Lee Cooper now works for Pashley

 

[Stuartd01]

Ever since I started Cycling again a few years ago I have wanted a Coventry built bike as I am a Coventry kid , my first attempt at getting one turned up about 4" too small, so ever since then have been on the look out for one that fits me .

The second one I managed to find turned up as an L A Cycles frameset, the @colly of this parish now owns and rides, at the time of me selling it to him I was unaware of the true connection between L A Cycles and Coventry frame maker Lee Cooper. After the deal was done I learned of the connection .

So, ever since then, the search intensified and about 18 months ago I uncovered a Pollard Specialite complete bike and almost ever since then this has been my main commuting and leisure bike .
Earlier this week I arranged to go and meet Lee Cooper who is a Coventry frame builder and has been since 1984 , I was left opened mouth from the moment I entered his premises to the moment I left . I stood and watched as he finished soldering the main triangle to a few frames he was making for a customer , the man was surrounded by a small production run of 5 other main triangles whilst on a bench there were a bunch of fork crowns and steerer tubes awaiting their blades to to be inserted and soldered .

Around the man stood the tools of his trade, a frame jig imported from the states , various bits of welding equipment , vices , small sanding machines and loads of tubes awaiting construction .

He showed me some frames he was making for some big names in British Cycling which amazed me as I always believed these people made their own frames , but at least they out source from a true British frame builder. He also showed me some older frames that were made for a n other British company till they outsourced their supply to the far east . He also showed a rather nice Blue frameset with trackends that bore the name of an ex Coventry frame builder , whilst he was talking me around this frame he explained his frame numbering technique , ie 040614 and lc which means 04 th bike in 6 month of year 2014 and Lee Cooper .

Lee rounded up my visit by showing me a rather lovely complete bike that he made for the Bespoke show a couple of years ago , normal reaction was for me to lift the bike up and was totally gobsmacked just how light it was for a steel machine .

All in all it was a great meeting and I had some a very interesting time with Lee, I went in with so many questions and came home with even more, his knowledge was and is amazing , I am now focused on trying to source one of his bikes ... so the search continues

I've just come across your post by chance - If you are still searching, I'm currently building up a 2009 Lee Cooper frame for sale. It was originally made for 14bike Co and is made of Dedacciai steel. A very nice bike...

 

[biggs682]

Paid another visit to Lee Cooper today to have a look at one of his frames he was selling off at a very fair price , it was one he showed me on my first visit and i liked it then . But seeing it this morning in the skin so to speak i couldnt resist it .

On my first visit we talked about this and the reason why he put Bromwich decals on rather than his own , simply answer was that Lee's first job as a framemaker was under the watchful eye of another Coventry builder Tom Bromwitch .

This is 631 tubing with track ends never been built up so its a new frame . That between me and my LBS will be built in single speed mode to start with .

 

[biggs682]

Here is the latest picture , not far away from being rideable.

 

[biggs682]

Quick update Lee Cooper is starting up again so if anybody fancies having a good quality steel frame made go and see him you wont be disappointed and tell him i sent you

 

[simongt]

And if I had a ' loadsa money ' drop I'd either have a new Paris Galibier, or have a handmade frame built; can't make up my mind ( when the loadsa money comes that is - ! )

 

[fossyant]

I remember visiting Frank Herety before he started my bike. Proper old school, with a pegged frame jig, and painting outsourced to the excellent C&G in Liverpool. His 'shop' was basically a workshop, nothing fancy.

 

[Sharky]

I remember visiting Frank Herety before he started my bike. Proper old school, with a pegged frame jig, and painting outsourced to the excellent C&G in Liverpool. His 'shop' was basically a workshop, nothing fancy.

C&G - were they in Back Falkner Street? The Bates, that I am riding in my avatar was done by them in about 1964, in polychromatic copper, with 3/4 chrome ends. Lovely job and wish I still had it.

 

[fossyant]

C&G - were they in Back Falkner Street? The Bates, that I am riding in my avatar was done by them in about 1964, in polychromatic copper, with 3/4 chrome ends. Lovely job and wish I still had it.

Not sure, but they are still operating now.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I have to admit my trip to Woodrups with @vernon and @User14044 last year was awesome.

 

[vernon]

And if I had a ' loadsa money ' drop I'd either have a new Paris Galibier, or have a handmade frame built; can't make up my mind ( when the loadsa money comes that is - ! )

I have to admit my trip to Woodrups with @vernon and @User14044 last year was awesome.

I've a 'lodsa money' drop coming my way in March. I am tempted to open a frame building dialogue with Woodrups.....

 

[biggs682]

due another visit soon to collect the Woodrup frameset that Lee has been fettling for me ie new rear brake bridge so i can run a rear caliper and a new coat of colour

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

That Bromwich is a serious piece of kit

 

[biggs682]

Lee Cooper has a NOS tandem frame for sale and he is open to offers