Framebuilders - Differences in Tubing Material

Folks,

I'm looking to have built a frame that will duplicate a 1950's Raleigh/Lenton. (I currently own a 1959 Rudge/Raleigh Sports built from 2030 high tensile tubing).

I've been going back and forth between Reynolds 531St which was, after all, the original tubing material of choice in the 1950's OR Reynolds 853 which is currently the tubing of choice. (For purposes of my question, I'm excluding Reynolds 953).

The reason for my conundrum is the question of the 'feel' and handling of these two differing tubesets. On the one hand, I keep hearing about the 'legendary feel of 531' which is said to impart a 'springy' and 'lively' feel. This, in contrast to the 'stiff' handling frame of Reynolds 853 - especially when all eight tubes are thrown into the equation.

I'd like to have the feel of a lively and springy frame but if there really isn't any substantive difference between the two (531ST vs 853), I'll opt for the lighter frame and go with the 853. By the way, I did have a period of time when I owned a 1997 Fisher Excalibur which was a Reynolds 853 main tubes with Reynolds 725 stays. I kind of liked how it felt versus my other current bike which has True Temper OX Gold tubing which to me feels kind of stiff by comparison.

I've surveyed many websites, among them that of Sheldon Brown (RIP) of Harris Cyclery. He had an interesting discussion on the myth of frame materials and their differences. In his writing, he indicated that the perceived differences was due to the 'placebo' effect:

"...
If you're looking for a comfortable ride, it is a mistake to focus on the particular material used to build the frame. There are differences in comfort among different bikes, but they are mainly caused by-

Tires
Saddle Choice
Frame Geometry
Rider Positioning
..."

Does Anyone in this forum have any experiences in these two frame materials - or is the stated differences in the feel and handling of frame material a matter of perception only? In other words: BS!

Any informed comments are welcome. Thank you. Larry

Personally, if you're trying to replicate the Lenton, I'd stay with the 531 material.

I think the perception that 531 imparts a springy and lively feel compared to a relatively stiff feel imparted by an 853 frame has more to do with the likelihood that the 531 tubes are standard size, and the 853 tubes are more likely to be oversize than with the properties of the two alloys.

Since all steels have essentially the same modulus of elasticity, if the size of the frame and weight of the rider are equal, a frame made with standard size tubes will feel more springy (or, to a critic, whippier) than a frame made with oversize tubes.

I believe 853 is available in standard size tubes, so if you want a frame that replicates the feel of your 50s Raleigh/Lenton but is a little lighter than 531, you might discuss the pros and cons of building a frame with standard size 853 with your framebuilder.

I'm six feet tall and weigh 190 pounds, and ride 61cm c-t frames. I wouldn't consider a new frame made with standard size tubes.