Re: [CR] reynolds 700 tubes

Hi Andrew,
      Reynolds produced 5 tube sets,753, 753 AT, 708(internal straight ribbed no butting) and 731 (butted with straight rib on the butt) and 725 which is Chrome-moly.
       708 and 731 were a blend of Mange-moly steels heat-treated for different tensile strengths on both the front end (head tube and fork parts)were 531 120,000psi no heat-treatment, the main triangle was 531 heat-treated to yield 138,000 psi and the rear stays were 531 heat-treated to to yield 195,000 psi or to make it simple they made it into 753.
      A builder had to be Certified by Reynolds to build with 753 and you could only use silver to braze.
     I've built with all 4 of the steel tube sets, in fact I used my last 731 set 3 months ago and still have 2 753 AT OS sets that I use for large frames, I substitute the chain stays and forks with 531
      The problem with these tube sets (the 753 series) is the chain stay, as per Reynolds they didn't want any rear end manipulation, so you had to be dead on in alignment, actually they are so stiff that you could barely move them once soldered. I believe that is one of the reasons Reynolds discontinued them, also the development of the 853/ 653 tube sets which can be brass brazed and are air hardening and the use of 725 the heat treated Chrome-moly tube set yielding about the same strength as 753 and is easier to produce. I hope I helped, Anthony Mezzatesta Custom Cycles Cranberry Twp. PA. 16066 http://www.mezzatestacustomcycles.com