Chuck S. used to sell (probably still does) a collection of Zeus catalogs. I think these showed Durifort, usually on less than top models, in the the late 60's and early 70's.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Scott Edrington <scott@edrington.net> wrote: I've been following the discussion on Reynolds tubing; however, when did Zeus use Durifort tubing? I have two Zeus bicycles that look similar and have similar components, but one has the Reynolds transfer and the other has the Durifort transfer. Special thanks to both Nick Tithecott and Pete Paine for helping me find replacement Reynolds and Durifort transfers. If it was not for forums like this one, it would almost be impossible to restore some vintage bicycles. Scott Edrirngton Carmichael CA From: "Jerome & Elizabeth Moos" <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> To: "Bob Reid" <robertrreid@tiscali.co.uk>, "CR List" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 13:51:00 +0000 Subject: Re: [CR]Was dating Zeus, now Reynolds A tubing...
So, when all three were available was 531 the most expensive, followed by HM, then "A" grade?
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Bob Reid wrote: Dale wrote ;
That's very interesting! Have you seen bicycles marked as having A or B tubing from that era? All my reading of my mountains of old Cycling mags have not turned up reference to this tubing (A & B) before WW2. Of course that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I was under the impression that High Manganese was retired with the intro of 531. No? Might anyone have examples or in-print evidence, by chance?
I bet Hilary can weigh in on this......
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You are right - it doesn't mean anything. Obviously my word's not good enough :-) so here's some factual evidence.
1928 advert by a Scottish framebuilder ; "...Built personally by John Hamilton with Reynold's Special High Manganese Butted tubes. These tubes are two gauges lighter and are 25 per cent stronger than the usual A quality butted tubes." (Just to prove their were weight weenies as well, his H.M. Road Racing model weighed (fully assembled) 17.3/4 lbs (8.05kg) in 1937 and it survives today in a museum in glasgow c/w his own handmade cantilever front brake)
Reynolds publication from 1937? (Courtesy of Chuck.S) quotes three grades for comparison. "A Quality", H.M. and 531.
An article from a 1947 CTC mag (copy on my website at http://www.flying-scot.co.uk/
Brown Brothers Catalogue from 1952, gives tubes for sale in the same three grades. A Quality, H.M. and 531.
Okay so here are the "facts"
--- 'A' grade did exist pre-war (at least before 1928)
--- 531 did not replace H.M. High Manganese, or even 'A' quality in Reynolds product range as late as 1952.
As far as transfers go, the earliest Reynolds example (gold on black) was for High Manganese on a 1937 Sun Wasp.
Bob Reid (I don't make this stuff up) Stonehaven Scotland
http://www.flying-scot.co.uk (mapped)