Niles H.

I am interested in this steel, and was wondering if anyone on the forum has worked with it, or knows much about it?

Nessism

My understanding is that it cost as much as Ti and Reynolds has been having a difficult time getting the tubes to the proper butted dimensions (they are thicker and heavier than spec). Nice stuff but I suggest waiting a year or so until Reynolds gets their act together.

https://www.frameforum.net/forum2/index.php?showforum=39

Falanx

Reynolds initially contracted Trent Aerospace tubes to produce some plain guage tubing for them to draw to final dimensions, from sheet Carpenter Custom 455 alloy steel. Carpenter themselves do not supply this alloy in anything but solid shape sections.

As Nessism points out, Reynolds (not ever having worked with a steel like this before) are having trouble achieveing the desired dimensions in the steel they are selling. They have also recommended filler wire, that as far as I am concerned (and several other steel builders have noted) is utterly unacceptable, especially seeing as the correct filler wire is readily available from US Welding Corp. This is compunded by Reynolds supplying seat stays for its tubeset that are in a completely incompatible third composition.

I've been in touch with Trent to discuss the production of this steel tube, to get more information than is presently available.

I'm of the opinion that Reynold's won't have sorted it before someone else markets their own design in the same material without any of Reynolds' input. Which is sad.....

Scooper

Here's another frame builder who just finished a nice looking 953 frame and is enthusiastic about its future.

Niles H.

Thanks for the link. There are some beautiful touches on that bike. It's one of the most attractive frames I've ever seen.

That finish -- does anyone know how it is achieved?

Scooper

It's polished, Niles. My Waterford 953 frame is also polished. The finish looks like chrome plated steel.

Thylacine

It's a brushed finish attained by using a combination of sandpaper, Scotchbrite and blisters.

Pretty much how I'm going to be spending this weekend.