Harry Travis wrote: But, what does it mean that Reynolds 753 was not a long-lasting material [in bikes built with those tubes?
Also noted, Tange Prestige, which "don't get no respect" from too many of us.
[ I know the modern TdF is off-topic, but allowing one third or more of all riders to crash themselves and their bikes Sunday on a portion of the course spoiled by an motorcyclists' oil spill would seem riskier than putting them on frames that might have a higher failure rate, if that is what "not a long-lasting material" meant. ] ____________________________________________________________________________
Not sure what Hampsten meant regarding 753, but he had some personal experience to go on when it came to lightweight frames and frame failure. As has been documented and discussed, the first batch of Huffy 7-Eleven frames built by Serotta were constructed of silly-light True Temper (not by Serotta's choice) that led to a number of frame failures in the spring of 1987 (don't know that any of them were Hampsten's personal frames, but the fact had to be unsettling). The problem was addressed, but not before quite a few 7-Eleven riders had started seeking alternative frame suppliers - ultimately leading to Hampstens relationship with Slawta and his choice of a Slawta frame for the '88 Giro. At least that's the story as I understand/remember it.
Ed Granger
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA