531 tubing good for touring?
11-15-04, 04:30 PM
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531 tubing good for touring?
Is 531 chromoly tubing considered a good frame material for a touring bike? Is it good for just light touring or long distance (lots of weight) too? I am considering an older Raleigh Gran Sport (ten sp.) I can get for $30 and know it is 531 and has a more relaxed geometry. I'm not sure of chain stay length. I also think it has Simplex deraillers. Does anyone know if this bike or frame would be good for touring?
11-15-04, 05:51 PM
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Hi,
the type of tube is not that important. There are really only
two questions. Is it comfy? And can you get your stuff on it without
it breaking? My guess is the frame is not going to be a problem.
Everything else could be. Will likely need new (and tougher) wheels. If it's 27" wheels, that gets a little harder.There are still 27 inch wheels, but there isn't much choice. The gearing isn't likely to be low enough for touring. The costs add up fast. If you can, take it to a bike shop and get an estimate. You could also ask them if they think it's worth pursuing.
the type of tube is not that important. There are really only
two questions. Is it comfy? And can you get your stuff on it without
it breaking? My guess is the frame is not going to be a problem.
Everything else could be. Will likely need new (and tougher) wheels. If it's 27" wheels, that gets a little harder.There are still 27 inch wheels, but there isn't much choice. The gearing isn't likely to be low enough for touring. The costs add up fast. If you can, take it to a bike shop and get an estimate. You could also ask them if they think it's worth pursuing.
11-15-04, 06:30 PM
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Thank you late, that sounds like good advice. I'll take it.
Ciufalon
Ciufalon
Last edited by Ciufalon; 11-15-04 at 06:31 PM. Reason: correction
11-15-04, 09:43 PM
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The delrin Simplex derailleurs and shifters ALWAYS break, you might as well replace them as soon as you buy the bike.
11-16-04, 04:55 AM
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531 is a type of steel. Reynolds used it in a wide variey of tubeset designs. Some are lightweight racing tubesets, others are thicker-walled , specially designed for touring.
In later years there were 2 families:531c (for competition) and 531ST (super tourist).
The seatstay tubes of ST were thick enough to mount a fully loaded rack and the fork was sturdier. You could use the c guage for smaller frames and sport touring frames.
In later years there were 2 families:531c (for competition) and 531ST (super tourist).
The seatstay tubes of ST were thick enough to mount a fully loaded rack and the fork was sturdier. You could use the c guage for smaller frames and sport touring frames.
