Bicycle Mechanics - Reynolds 708 frame

Hi

I am trying to find information on a Reynolds 708 frame - I think this tubing as not manufactured for very long. Where is the Reynolds hierachy does it sit? I am being offered a new old stock frame quite cheaply and thought it would make a good basis for a tourer.

Any thoughts???

Hi

I am trying to find information on a Reynolds 708 frame - I think this tubing as not manufactured for very long. Where is the Reynolds hierachy does it sit? I am being offered a new old stock frame quite cheaply and thought it would make a good basis for a tourer.

Any thoughts???If it's got everythig you need on it for a tourer,that's more important than the spec on some obscure tubing.

Hi

I am trying to find information on a Reynolds 708 frame - I think this tubing as not manufactured for very long. Where is the Reynolds hierachy does it sit? I am being offered a new old stock frame quite cheaply and thought it would make a good basis for a tourer.

Any thoughts???

708 came in standard tube sizes, not oversize which has taken over the market. The tubes are thicker than the more common 531 but not quite as thick as the 531 Super Tourist tubeset. The main feature of the 708 tubeset is the addition of full length longitudinal ribs inside the tubes - similar to Columbus TSX only the ribs are not spiral.

My guess is that a 708 frameset would make a fine light duty touring rig but may be a little flexy for loaded touring with a heavy rider.

Hope this helps.

Ed

My understanding is that 708 offered superior rigidity over 531 for touring loads and that it was specifically designed for such use.

My understanding is that 708 offered superior rigidity over 531 for touring loads and that it was specifically designed for such use.

According to a Reynolds catalogue I have in front of me:

Reynolds 708 CLASSIC

"A receint development from Reynolds, the name describes the purpose.
The main tubes of this set have a new and ingenious inernal profile.
The profile is designed to maximise lateral stiffness and strength in the direction of the known loadings, which result from the punishing road surfaces and the extreme rider applied deflection loadings experienced on the brutial classic racing courses."

No doubt 708 is stiffer than regular 531, however 531 SUPER TOURIST is quite a bit thicker yet which makes it a better choice for loaded touring.

Thanks

I have purchased but not collected the frame. Looking forward to checking it. Can you tell from th ecatalogue when this tubing was available? I am keen to know the age of the frame. It is new old stock and all I know is that is has been sitting in a shop somewhere.

many thanks

Thanks. What you say is true but I was merely intersted in what I might be getting for admittedly a small amount of money.
I bought it.

Hi,
i used to ride a 531 .
This is all from memory but i believe the 708 frames were not successful because they lost their rigidity very early in their life.
on this basis i'd be very wary of a 2nd hand 708.
hope this helps.