Originally Posted by
Charles Wahl
I apologize for mixing up True Temper and TI (Tube Investments) Tru®Wel. Yes, same company that owned Reynolds, but the TruWel sticker probably means that the frame is constructed of straight-gauge tubing, not double-butted. I don't know whether the fork blade stickers are fake (they're certainly widely available for anyone who would like to "apply" some cachet); but it's unlikely that they'd be applied originally without also having the same 1977-1982 rectangular "frame tubes, fork blades and stays" sticker on the seat tube (usual place high) or, less often, on down tube near upper end.
One way to tell is to weigh the frame, bare (OK to leave in pressed-in parts like headset races. Frame and fork less than 3000 grams (maybe 2850 or so for frame size in question) is probably double-butted.
there is a blank spot where it looks as though a sticker or perhaps a part (though I dont know of a part that would leave a rectangle mark like this)
I know that means exactly squat as far as evidence goes but I just find it odd to have a bike made up with high quality forks and lower grade frame tubes. Perhaps because it is seems to be a touring set up the rider would have wanted the thicker steel?
If someone did apply the 531 sticker after it was bought they did it a long time ago, because the stickers are just as worn as the rest of the bike.
Rectangle marking