Framebuilders - Reynolds 531 - how do you know?

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odie91
05-17-07, 11:16 PM
I have a seller offering a Raleigh Grand Prix frame that he stripped down to bare metal, so there are no identifiers whatsoever on the frame. He says it is Reynolds 531. Is there any way to know if a tubeset really is 531 by inspecting it? I'm guessing not.... but please advise if you know of any clues I should look for. Thanks.

Andreasaway
05-17-07, 11:22 PM
One indication is the use of a 27.2 seat post, beyond that I don't know.
silversmith
05-17-07, 11:23 PM
Grand Prix wasn't ever 531 to my knowledge.

Mine is hi-ten. Later ones maybe 501 or 502

Try classic and vintage (my normal haunt) and someone will help out.

maalea
06-06-07, 09:34 PM
My '84 Grand Prix is 555sl.
Ziemas
06-07-07, 06:17 AM
Grand Prix wasn't ever 531 to my knowledge.

Mine is hi-ten. Later ones maybe 501 or 502

Try classic and vintage (my normal haunt) and someone will help out.
Some late 1960s Calton Grand Prixs were 531. Chances are the one in question is Hi-Ten.
Revtor
06-07-07, 04:34 PM
was 531 butted? Im assuming "hi-ten" was not.. you can tell if a tube is butted by listening as you tap the tube along its length woth the back of your fingernail. as the tube gets thinner the sound changes... I can hear the butts on my 853.

~Steve
thebigdeadwaltz
06-19-07, 10:01 AM
My Gazelle Grand Prix is 1020 "Hi-Ten". Not butted at all.

Yours is almost definitely not Reynolds 531. These old Grand Prix's are everywhere and I have yet to come across one that had some really nice tubeset. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this guy is trying to swindle you.
alanbikehouston
06-19-07, 10:08 AM
If the frame is stripped, perhaps the seller honestly is confused about its origin and model. Weigh it. A size 58 Reynolds frame ought to come in under four pounds. The fork should come in under two pounds. Say around 5 1/2 pounds for the complete frame and fork in size 58. If the combined frame and fork come in at a total of 7 pounds or 8 pounds, well, that ain't 531.

The "seat post" test makes sense. The cheaper tubes had thicker walls, and required seat posts that were smaller in diameter than the Reynolds 531 frames. And, with precision calipers, you could measure the thickness of the seat tube and compare that with the factory "spec" for Reynolds 531.