Reynolds 531C was just a simple naming of 531 db tube sets when the more specific Special Tourist and SL names were introduced. Reynolds 531 has always been available in a variety of gauges and until the 1980s REynolds did not distingush on the tube sticker between them. SL however was a new thin walled version introduced in the 70s. You would be almost right in your assumption about 531SL being the same as 653. The tube gauges were pretty much the same but the main triangle tubes of 653 featured slightly enhanced strength tubes compared to 531 and the rear triangle used 753 tubes good builders of course silver soldered these. Hilary Stone
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>From: Wdgadd@aol.com
>To: jac33@tron.arts.cornell.edu, m.battley@irl.cri.nz
>Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: Re: [CR]Reynolds 531c, what does the "c" mean?
>Date: Fri, Apr 20, 2001, 1:04 am
>
> To the best of my knowledge, Reynolds 531C is a set having double butted
> tubes with .9/.6 mm wall thickness. 531 ST(Special Tourist) has 1.0/.7 walls,
> and 531 SL(Special Lightweight) has .8/.5 walls. Was this (531 SL) basically
> the same as 653?
>
> Regards,
> Wes Gadd