Rossi was Bob “Rooster” Rouse’s marque, made in Nottingham. There are one or two Italian makes with the same name. This is a good example of how far UK frame builders took their craft before carbon fibre took over. It clearly illustrates the influence of the ideas brought in by Francesco Moser’s hour record bikes. It also illustrates the total eclipse of the UK component manufacturers (including tubesets), at this stage primarily with Italian parts.
I have learned from Granville Horton (ex proprietor of Olympic Cycles, Nottingham) that he supplied Bob Rouse (Beeston CC) with the tubeset to build his first frame some time in the ’80s. That was the start of Rossi Cycles of Nottingham, a small “shed-builder”. Early frames were not so good, this later one is quite sophisticated with a top-line component spec for its day. For me, the steering angles are a shade too aggressive when the “aero-bars” are in use, holding a straight line needs constant concentration and correction, which is a distraction.
Events: Tour of Cambs TT 2015; East Grinstead evening ‘tens’ (28:32 best); Lewes Wanderers CC ‘Gentlemen’s GP’ 2015