Retro-modded Lee Cooper Professional 531c

wynne

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Bought this dinky little frameset off Malc Cipollini (nice man to deal with). I don't know why it was when I saw his ad, but for some reason it was love at first sight.

Well, I decided it would be a modern build on the old frame. It's a fantastic ride, been thrashing it round the wet and windy lanes of North Wales. The only issue is toe overlap when honking it up some of the more brutal climbs.

The build is a mixture of 10 speed Record and Chorus, with Hope wheels running tubeless.

As someone who spent my youth in Coventry it is really nice to have something built there. After doing a bit of research I found out that LA Cycles was a company that Lee Cooper and his mate Alan ran for a while before Lee went on to build frames under his own name, so it's very likely that he actually built the frame.

Rich
 

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Thanks for the comments.
Here's a couple more images.
The front wheel is so close to the downtube that I had to double check that the fork wasn't bent, but no, it seems that's the way it's meant to be - very different to modern relatively slack bikes. I had my assistant mechanic check it out and his lab report suggests there is nothing to worry about.

Handling is good so all's well.
 

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Re:

The modifications got a little out of hand... 1" carbon ahead fork, Fulcrum Zero wheels, Speedplay pedals, Easton EA90 stem. I don't have any scales, but this thing is light and it's my go-to ride. The new fork has resolved my toe overlap issues too.
 

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You just reminded me i have a Lee Cooper frame awaiting build in the loft

Then i also have one of his single speed frames that is built up and ready to go

and as you say great bikes
 

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