From: Joss Winn <joss@josswinn.org>
"I am going to build up a singlespeed road bike from odd parts and have my eye on a frame on eBay (#3680526193). Can anyone comment on this frame and in particular, the sticker which reads 'Reynold 753 Renovated'. The seller knows nothing about the frame but says the sticker on the seat tube has that on it.
Also, ever heard of a frame builder called 'GOD or G.O. Donovan'?"
Hi Joss, The auction doesn't mention a sticker containing the word "renovated". Instead, it says the frame was renovated. I wonder how extensive the renovation was?? I think you'd want some detailed pictures in order to determine the frame's condition. When purchasing a frame via the web, I usually like to get detailed shots of any damage to paint or decals. It's nice to get a shot that might show if forks or the downtube are bent or bowed. G.O. Donovan is probably refering to Gerald O'Donovan. He was the head of Raleigh's Ilkston facility, where they built the Team bikes. These bikes often had a serial number stamped on the bottom bracket shell. The number had the format of "SBxxxx", where four digits followed the letters SB. Folklore says that SB stands for Special Build. These were pretty darned nice frames. If this frame was built as one of the Team frames, it seems odd for it to have mudguard eyelets front and rear. Might have been part of the renovation, maybe? Ask the seller for more pics and any info available. Nicks, dings, markings, dimensions, etc. It's all handy to have.
Steve Kurt Peoria, IL (where I have a nice Raleigh Team bike in my hallway)