Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 16:58:31 -0500 From: Bianca Pratorius <biankita@earthlink.net> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]531c, 531 tubing sets Message-ID: <013ebce912c59570f3ef380a3e6584f7@earthlink.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed MIME-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v622) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Precedence: list Message: 3
A previous internet research project revealed that indeed 531c is the later form of 531, and is heavier, stiffer, for stronger heavier riders. The c stands for competition and it's funny that I continually run into prospective bikes which are of the c variety even though, I am never more than 160 lbs, and definitely not a big gear cruncher either. The team Raliegh for example was made in later versions in both 531C and 700 series. The 531C was once again for the heavier riders with more leg torque. Another bike I have is made with stiff Japanese tubing which is even stiffer than 531c. The Columbus SL seems more comfortable, more forgiving and yet still plenty stiff enough for a guy like me.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.
Garth:
Not exactly....
Once again, here are some (published) tubeset weights:
Reynolds 501: 2300 grams
Columbus SP: 2295 grams
531st: 2200 grams
531c: 2050 grams
Columbus SL: 1925 grams
531 Professional: 1900 grams
753R: 1800 grams
753T: 1750 grams
Columbus KL: 1670 grams
Columbus Record: 1610 grams.
531c is lighter than the touring-gauge, 531st, but not as light as 531 Professional (or "Special Lightweight" or "531SL"). As e-Richie would say, 531 is just a material - you could order it darn near any way you pleased (within Reynolds' limits of sound Engineering judgement).
Prior to about 1983 or so, there weren't "c" and "st" designations. 531 was 531, for the most part, unless you ordered Special Lightweight, or custom-ordered a batch of tubing. By 1983, I'm sure Reynolds had seen the ever-rising popularity of SL/SP from Columbus, and decided to switch primarily to the Continental Oval fork blade, and do larger-diameter but thinner-walled seatstays, etc. to compete. This included marketing two distinct "levels" of 531 - 531c and 531st. It was mainly a market-driven thing....
Go to http://www.desperadocycles.com/