Reynolds 501/531/753

[GuyBoden]

Not many 531 frames have lasted that long and there is no reason to suppose that the same percentage of carbon fibre frames won't survive three decades either.

You're totally wrong, most steel frames will last much longer than 30 years. I currently have four 531 steel bikes, all over 30 years old.

I prefer 531c in the summer (dry weather), the competition lighter frame.
I prefer 531 in winter (wet weather, mudguards).

Yes, geometry is a big factor.

Nothing against Carbon bikes, I'm sure I'd be very happy if someone gave me a £4000 carbon bike to ride.......

 

[Drago]

I just acquired a 36 year old 531 frame today. Surprised to learn it could die any minute.

 

[Smokin Joe]

You're totally wrong, most steel frames will last much longer than 30 years. I currently have four 531 steel bikes, all over 30 years old.

Many millions of steel frames were built before alu and carbon became the norm. A relatively small number still exist, but most disappeared long ago. The same will be true of any material, it will last for ever if looked after but not if it isn't.

 

[Ian H]

501, as I was told, was really just a badge stuck on Reynolds' bog-standard tubing.

531 was state-of-the-art for many years. The main problem was the over-engineered fork blades, which meant the frame would be wrecked rather than the fork in a front-ender. The tubing also could be weakened by over-heating during building.

753 was even more susceptible to over-heating—hence it should always be silver-soldered. Reynolds would only let certain builders loose with it.

 

[youngoldbloke]

What was/is 525?

 

[Drago]

Cro mo. 501, 520, 525 cro mos given a wider option for welding/brazing techniques, so the frames tend to cost less than those made with 531, despite the similar mechanical properties.

Most steel frames ended their lives in a ditch or down the dump, rather than expiring through mechanical failure.

 

[GuyBoden]

Steel :
"Currently, the material with the highest strength-to-weight ratio is Reynolds 953 maraging stainless steel."

 

[simon.r]

953 is on my 'to ride' list...

 

[craigwend]

Cro mo. 501, 520, 525 cro mos given a wider option for welding/brazing techniques, so the frames tend to cost less than those made with 531, despite the similar mechanical properties.

Most steel frames ended their lives in a ditch or down the dump, rather than expiring through mechanical failure.

I had a Raleigh 501 frame & the local & very knowledgeable dealer told me the same ... though 501 never seemed to catch on -
I also have a 531 frame though it's ST it weighs a ton - good for, commuting, winter training, everyday bike, touring (one day) , off road & surviving a nuclear bomb ...

 

[Smokin Joe]

Most steel frames ended their lives in a ditch or down the dump, rather than expiring through mechanical failure.

That's how most frames end up, whatever they're made of. Technical specifications change to accommodate the latest equipment, for example once disc brakes become the standard then the current crop of carbon fibre frames will gradually become obsolete.

 

[RD1]

Strangely enough if I close my eyes riding my Carbon / aluminium Basso it feels like i could be riding my 70's Falcon San Remo

Shaun

Further thought - assuming most of the pros are using carbon frames- when there is a crash involving several riders you do see most able to ride on. No bent forks...or frames. Sometimes they change bikes but still it is testament to carbon frames....?.
Cheers
Rich

 

[Drago]

Further thought - assuming most of the pros are using carbon frames- when there is a crash involving several riders you do see most able to ride on. No bent forks...or frames.

Yes, just like often used to happen with steel frames in the sixties. And seventies. And eigties. And nineties.

Carbon is great, but its not the holy love child of John Paul II and Mother Teresa with supernatural holy powers. Its a frame material, with benefits and drawbacks, just like all mother materials.

 

[tommaguzzi]

For my penny worth i think a lot of the "smooth steel feel" comes from the old design forward curved steel forks can bend slightly providing a small amount of suspension.
My old Peugeot has these and it is way more comfortable on longer rides than the carbon blades on my Titanium van nicholas i never have to shake my hands out on the Peugeot.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I've got a Reynolds 500 frame. Plain gauge cro mo. Weighs a ton. Ensures good contact with the road and improved traction

 

[Gravity Aided]

I like the ride of the 531 more than other steels, excepting Columbus. I have 531c on a Trek 600 from 1985. I love both the bike, its' geometry, and its' materials. The 531c is just the main triangle, the other parts, (fork, chainstays, seatstays) are probably Ishiwata. Bound with cast lugs with the Trek logo. A very pretty and durable bicycle. It has taught me an appreciation for the quality of the build of a bicycle. I also have avvery nice old mountain bike of aluminum, made by Cannondale, but while it is quite light, it is also double suspended (The Delta V1000, one of the early FS MTBs, offered only in a 17 inch frame, with a really long seat post.), so I can't speak so much to ride quality, as suspension is the greater determinant in that case. I like 531 in that it combines durability with a lively ride. Hi-ten feels heavier and less vibrant, and cr-mo feels different, not in a negative way, just different.