Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Reynolds 531DB, dose it age in time?

  • 27-02-2010 8:41pm
    #1
    Run_to_da_hills
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭


    Considering purchasing a retro racer with frame built from Reynolds 531DB,

    I have seen some fine examples of these bikes for sale on EBay complete equipped with Campy record, Shimano Dura Ace or Zeus 2000 components however I am concerned if the frames on these older cycles deteriorate over time. ie corrode from inside out or get brittle.

    Would you recommend one of these older 531 frame sets for a cycle or fixed wheel hack?

    What is the modern equivilant of Reynolds 531?


Comments

  • #2
    IM0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,390 ✭✭✭IM0


    Yes I would, just dont get it wet or it will melt and dissolve :rolleyes:


  • #3
    Al Wright
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 168 ✭✭Al Wright


    In general, 531 tube is more resistant to rust than plain carbon steel so the frame should be ok. This type of frame was a bit above the ordinary when built and would have been internally treated with a corrosion inhibitor. If it was treated with any care during its lifetime it should be good. It is most likely lugged construction (brazed sleeve joints), a thorough inspection of all joints is necessary, particularly about bottom bracket. The DB referrs to double-butted, that is the steel tubes are thicker at the ends than in the middle, a weight saving ploy. It sounds to be a bit too good to use as a hack.
    When being refurbished the inside can be re-treated with 'Framesaver', an easy to use internal corrosion protection, it should outlast many modern Alu models


    Reynolds 531 was replaced with 631, details are on Reynolds website;
    http://reynoldstechnology.biz/our_materials_631.php


  • #4
    gman2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,076 ✭✭✭gman2k


    a well maintained 531 frame should outlast an alum or carbon frame.
    Buy the best, and keep it that way.
    They are also relatively easy to repair, easy to braze in new tubes!


  • #5
    Run_to_da_hills
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭Run_to_da_hills


    me@ucd wrote: »
    Yes I would, just dont get it wet or it will melt and dissolve :rolleyes:

    Smart, :rolleyes:
    Al Wright wrote: »
    In general, 531 tube is more resistant to rust than plain carbon steel so the frame should be ok. This type of frame was a bit above the ordinary when built and would have been internally treated with a corrosion inhibitor. If it was treated with any care during its lifetime it should be good. It is most likely lugged construction (brazed sleeve joints), a thorough inspection of all joints is necessary, particularly about bottom bracket. The DB referrs to double-butted, that is the steel tubes are thicker at the ends than in the middle, a weight saving ploy. It sounds to be a bit too good to use as a hack.
    When being refurbished the inside can be re-treated with 'Framesaver', an easy to use internal corrosion protection, it should outlast many modern Alu models


    Reynolds 531 was replaced with 631, details are on Reynolds website;
    http://reynoldstechnology.biz/our_materials_631.php
    Reason I also ask is that I also have an old Carlton fully Chrome frame, it was left in a damp shed and the insides of the tubes have some rust / pitting, seat pin was also siezed.


Advertisement