853 vs. 531
12-13-05, 01:39 PM
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853 vs. 531
Which is better, Reynolds 853 or 531? I'm only asking because I've never ridden a 531 frame before but just bought an 853 framed LeMond. I love the feel of it but still can't help but wonder what a 531 frame is like. I know 853 is air hardened and is about sixty yrs newer than 531 but would still appreciate some thoughts.
12-13-05, 01:42 PM
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I have 2 old used Waterfords one is 531 and the other is 753. The 1200, 753 tubes is a bit stiffer than the 531 frame. I do most of my riding on the RSE-11 which is 531 and super comfortable. 853 tubing is supposed to be a tad stiffer than 753.
Tim
Tim
12-13-05, 04:32 PM
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753 was the pre-air-hardening top tubeset from Reynolds, designed mainly for brazed/lugged frames. Somewhat stiffer and lighter than 531, the old double-butted standby, which was also designed for brazed/lugged construction.
The modern equivalents are 853 and 631, both air-hardening steel that doesn't weaken when welded. Again, 853 is lighter, and perhaps it is stiffer than 631, though I think the main difference is in the weight.
Some builders say that 853 is improved over 753 even for lugged construction - ya don't need to weld it for it to be good. And my guess is that 631 is a bigger jump forward over 531 than the diff between 853 and 753.
The modern equivalents are 853 and 631, both air-hardening steel that doesn't weaken when welded. Again, 853 is lighter, and perhaps it is stiffer than 631, though I think the main difference is in the weight.
Some builders say that 853 is improved over 753 even for lugged construction - ya don't need to weld it for it to be good. And my guess is that 631 is a bigger jump forward over 531 than the diff between 853 and 753.
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12-13-05, 07:15 PM
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525 was the weldable replacement for 531. I had a havnoonian Corsa made from it and rode it for 3 years. Also has a lemond 853 frame, It was lighter and stiffer than the 525 frame set.
12-13-05, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by timcupery
753 was the pre-air-hardening top tubeset from Reynolds, designed mainly for brazed/lugged frames. Somewhat stiffer and lighter than 531, the old double-butted standby, which was also designed for brazed/lugged construction.
The modern equivalents are 853 and 631, both air-hardening steel that doesn't weaken when welded. Again, 853 is lighter, and perhaps it is stiffer than 631, though I think the main difference is in the weight.
Some builders say that 853 is improved over 753 even for lugged construction - ya don't need to weld it for it to be good. And my guess is that 631 is a bigger jump forward over 531 than the diff between 853 and 753.
The modern equivalents are 853 and 631, both air-hardening steel that doesn't weaken when welded. Again, 853 is lighter, and perhaps it is stiffer than 631, though I think the main difference is in the weight.
Some builders say that 853 is improved over 753 even for lugged construction - ya don't need to weld it for it to be good. And my guess is that 631 is a bigger jump forward over 531 than the diff between 853 and 753.
One interesting things about steel is that the stiffness of the metal is basically the same regardless of the alloy and its strength. Bottom line is that the stiffness of a steel tube is entirely dependant on the thickness and diameter of the tube. Tubing manufactures take advantage of the higher strength metal by drawing the tubes thinner to save weight without undue risk of failure.
Since 531 is a lower strength metal than 753, Reynolds made the tubes thicker on 531. This extra thickness on 531 tubes makes the tubes STIFFER than 753. Same thing with 631/853, 631 tubes are usually stiffer.
Reynolds tube stiffness level goes something like this (from lowest to highest): 753, 531, 853 and 631. One thing helping the stiffness of 853/631 is that these tubes usually are made in larger diameters than 531/753.
Regarding weight (from lightest to heaviest): 753, 853, 531 and 631. Of course, many of these tubes come in a variety of thicknesses and diameters so this is just a generality.
Last edited by Nessism; 12-13-05 at 10:36 PM.
