Author Topic: Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531  (Read 10007 times)

Vicki

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Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531
« on: May 22, 2005, 09:35:20 am »
Just looking for opinions/advice here.
Reynolds 853 seems to be a popular choice these days, but I have heard the opinion that - being thinner - it is more prone to damage (i.e. dents, rust).
I'm looking at a bike for off-road touring.
Some people still seem to swear by 531.
I imagine the overall weight difference in a frame wouldn't be all that much anyway?
So is it really worthwhile spending the extra on 853?
(& maybe someone has another suggestion?)
 

Roberto

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Re: Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2005, 07:16:20 am »
725 (heat treated and adequate for expedition) or 631 (the "modern" version of 531 and cheaper than 853: no heat treatment). I think the problem with a thin/light frame would be flex under heavy loads.
 

rogerzilla

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Re: Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2005, 07:02:29 pm »
531 is no longer made, although some builders may have stocks.  631 or 725 are the replacements.
 

SPINNERS

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Re: Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2006, 09:16:44 pm »
I seem to recall that on a tigged road frame the difference between 631 and 853 is just 20g... and about £300!
 

luceberg

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Re: Tubing for touring - 853 vs 531
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2006, 07:21:16 pm »
I think Reynolds 525 is very similar to 531, with the same UTS.