Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2005 19:41:54 EST From: LouDeeter@aol.com To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Dating Reynolds 531c tubing.
Freek said:
Hi all; can anyone give a year for the introduction of 531c tubing? Or point
me to a site with Reynolds info or timeline? I know there are several styles
of decals (for 531c), mine is probably the earliest. Here is a pic:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
To which Lou responded:
Take a look at the decals in this auction. The auction says this Special Lightweight tubeset was later called 531c. I thought there was a subtle difference between 531c and 531SL, but I don't recall what it was. Anybody know? Lou Deeter, Orlando FL
That doesn't sound right to me.... I saw that 531SL auction, but didn't read all of the verbage, I guess.
531SL, or Special Lightweight, or Professional (all the same thing AFAIK, had the transfers with the red in them) is thinner than "c" in some places (TT, DT, ST, CS, steerer). 531ST is thicker than "c" in the DT, fork blades, and seat stays.
Here's a rough guideline:
501: 2300 grams per set, 200-pound rider weight limit
531ST: 2200 grams per set, 175-pound rider weight limit
531C: 2050 grams per set, 150-pound rider weight limit
531SL: 1900 grams per set, 150-pound rider weight limit
753R: 1800 grams per set, 150-pound rider weight limit
753T: 1750 grams per set, 150-pound rider weight limit.
The weight limits are very much "guidelines," I'd say, and the differences aren't really all that huge between two adjacent sets in the lineup.
For comparison, Columbus SP is listed as 2295, SL as 1925, and KL as 1670 grams per set.
Greg Parker
Ann Arbor, Michigan