RobE30

Is a frame built out of Reynolds 853 (non lugged) up to the challenge of handling a rider around 235lbs? I've heard rumors that some of the higher end Reynolds tubing is for svelte riders.... urban myth or truth?

EjustE

The stories you probably heard were for 753. TIG-welded 853 is good stuff and the problem with a heavier rider would be the stays and the wheels... rear wheel. What bike are you talking about? 853 was a fairly uncommon material (for several reasons) and the only widely available (somewhat) bikes I can think of having it, would be '90s LeMonde bikes (and in some of them the stays were 4130)

RobE30

A friend of mine is looking @ a Le Monde and wanted me to find out more info about it. I think it's late 90's early 00's (not C&V but steel is steel and that was my main question). Any reason it wasn't widely used?

KonAaron Snake 

The biggest reason was that steel was considered something of an antiquated material for a serious road bike by that time period. People wanted CF and aluminum.

USAZorro

If what I've read is correct, the preferred build technique for 853 is to use lugs.

It says this, here:

REYNOLDS 853 / 853OS info
Reynolds 853 is a high strength, 210,00 psi, heat treated, air hardened steel alloy. Careful control of the alloying elements combine to give these tubes enhanced mechanical properties surpassing other materials currently available.

The main advantage of Reynolds 853 is its ability to air harden after joining, a characteristic not shown by other chrome molybdenum / manganese molybdenum materials presently on the market. When building frames using either TIG welding or high temperature brazing, above 1600 degrees, the joints increase in strength as the frame cools to room temperature.

LUG CONSTRUCTION IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF JOINING 853. It allows a much larger area to be heated than tig welding which concentrates the heat to a very small area at the weld. This completely goes against the “AIR HARDENING” building philosophy of the material and adds nothing to the strength of the joint. It is however a much cheaper joining method, requiring less time and skill to perform.

Due to the superior mechanical properties of 853 tubing, there are several benefits which will translate directly to the cyclist. The wall thickness of 853 has been reduced to 0.4 mm, a full 0.1 mm thinner than Reynolds other top of the line 753 tubing. This translates into a frame weight of under 3 pounds 5 ounces for a 56 cm frame (less fork). Because of the added hardness of this alloy the chances of denting the tubing are no greater than that of present materials being employed. The final significant advantage is the increased stiffness of the frame and its ability to transmit all of the cyclist power into forward motion. The oversized 853 tube set, with its oval chainstays represents the ultimate in power transmission. Aside from the 853 OS tubeset, conventional diameter sets are available which will allow for a more comfortable ride, while still retaining most of the benefits associated with 853 oversize.

853 is currently produced in 8 tube tubesets. There are no fork blades drawn from this alloy. Bob Jackson will supply 853 frames with your choice of fork material., and configuration.

Scooper

I'm not sure what the definition of 'widely used' is, but there are tens of thousands of Reynolds 853 frames out there, and they're still being made. 853 is air hardening, so the strength of the material actually increases in the HAZ at the TIG welded joints. Well made 853 frames have a reputation for durability.

clubman 

FWIW I've been riding a lugless Lemond Tourmalet bought new in the late 90's and love it. It's butted True Temper. I've a 200 lb guy and I've done light touring with it. No flex and I'd rate the overall build quality as excellent. Recommended!

cycle_maven

I have a TIG-welded 853 frame that has taken me many thousands of happy miles so far. I weigh 250 lbs. The wheels are probably more of a concern than the frame material for us clydesdales, within reason. I wouldn't get the lightest high-zoot weight weenie frame anyway, and properly welded 853 is probably a really good material for weight, strength and durability for a heavier rider.

Scooper

...and here's a link to 853 info specifically:

https://reynoldstechnology.biz/our_materials_853.php

RobE30

Thanks for the info guys. I'll let my friend know that he should be fine.

Scooper

Coincidentally, today I bought a TIG welded 853 track bike, a new 2010 Schwinn Sprint.

frpax

I've got an '02 LeMond Buenos Aires. 853. Very nice ride. I'm 185 lbs. It can handle 235 no problem with the right wheels.