Reynolds 531 frame price
 

How much can I expect to pay for any old lugged Reynolds 531 frame if I don't care about scratches or brands? I'm thinking of swapping out frames on my current beater setup to lighten / lively up the ride a little bit and would probably end up painting the frame myself, so scratches and even surface rust would be of no objection. Also, any good places to look besides ebay and craigslist? Thanks.

If you don't care about scratches or maybe even a small dent, you might score one for around $100. I've paid less, but those were sleepers--the 531 decal was missing or the frame had been repainted creating some doubt as to its grade of steel or the finish was just trashed. And, of course, you can pay a whole lot more.

Neal

You might check all of your local pawn shops and swap meets. I have bought MANY Reynolds and Columbus frames (well complete bikes actually) for $30-40 around my town. You just have to be willing to get up early and dig.

Size makes a difference, too. I'm a 58cm, and that's hard to pick up cheap, with slim pickings in thrift stores, shops & CL around here, so I'm left with ebay. I did manage to score my TdF frame cheap ($45?), but it had an ugly repaint and no decals. Had to look for visual clues in the pics to ID. Touring frames can go for under $100, it seems the breakpoint is about 101cm wheelbase. Tighter geometry higher. 27" wheel frames are less than 700c frames. Some of the 80's Trek mixed frames - the 531cs, with a 531 triangle and cro-moly stays, you can find for <$100. A lot of these are longer wheelbase, but 700c and English threaded.

I have always done well with mixed-tubeset frames, i.e., d.b. moly steel main triangle with carbon steel fork and/or stays, such as a Columbus Tretubi (my Bianchi) or a Reynolds "3 tubes renforces" (my PKN-10). They ride just as nicely as their top-tier full-Reynolds/Columbus counterparts, such as my Capos or my Schwinn, but are of much less interest to the collectors.

Depends on where you shop. I picked up a whole PX-10 for $55 at a flea market.

needless to say they can be had cheep at fleemarkets (pawn shops around here charge double ebay prices - money laundering?), thirftshops and CL. The vancouver market is ravenous so there is VERY slim pickings but at the same time it makes for better turn around. On ebay as said unIDed frame may be had for relatively cheep. A known 531 700c racing frame is likely to run anywhere from $150 and up on ebay depending on condition, pedigree etc...

Like others have said size matters. An average sized bike for an average adult male-say 21-25 or will be most in demand-The smaller sizes-19-20 1/5 sometimes are bargains on ebay. Same story on BIG sizes unless two.three big guys are hunting.
That said, you can find an undented one for $150 or less. Dont buy a dented frame for more than $25. They are VERY, VERY tough to sell,and that dent will piss you off forever.You will always know your bike can't "be" perfect. Some scratches or a little rust can be fixed-not a dent!!
Luck,
Charlie

It varies wildly. Your best best is to get to know the brands/builders who used it and search for those bikes.

I think $100 is a reasonable possibility for a Reynolds 531 frame. It all depends on the quality of the frame. A lower end 531 frame would be something like a 70s Raleigh Supercourse. I have seen them go for around $100 on ebay. However, a Raleigh Team Pro made from Reynolds 531 would go for much higher. The stamp of 531 is definitely a stamp of quality but some are definitely better than others.