6'2 18st Versus 501 Tube.

[Subaloo]

As the subject title describes one of the reasons I have come across this great forum is to lose some weight.
I have been lucky enough to been given a Raleigh Montage frame & I couldn't help myself buying a great looking 88/89 orbit, these are both 501 Steel.
The plan is to build a touring bike over time and I wanted to do this from a MTB.
I am expecting to need a very good rear wheel set up but I am slightly concerned over the frame, this is mainly due to reading various other websites and blogs.
Reynolds 531 seems to be the one but will 501 see me through ?.
Any suggestions greatly received.

 

[legrandefromage]

Yes.

501 is just a lesser 531 and can be had with butted tubes (variable thicknesses to add strength and save weight)

The Montage is actually quite a good basis for a sturdy build. The forks might be a bit weak depending on their build as they may just be hi-ten steel.

The Raleigh 531 frames of that era ride very well and can be easily sourced from ebay or here - watch for rust and stuck seatposts.

 

[Subaloo]

Thanks for the advise, I purchased this Orbit : viewtopic.php?f=2&t=355236&start=0
which I'm going to use daily to shed a few pounds and maybe wear in a Brooks saddle.
I love the look of it but I think it would draw to much attention from light fingers if I did eventually head off on it.
As far as the Montage I think I shall concentrate on this which was kindly given to me and I can take my time adding what is needed as I learn.
Don't know if the link will work and sadly can't show you the montage as still learning.
Thanks again

 

[hamster]

People get badly caught up on the tubing. 501 is seen as worse as it is heavier. The alloy is the same (802N/mm2 UTS), what is different is the tube gauges. However there are good uses where 501 is a better choice: large riders, big frames, heavy loads. In a word: tough touring bikes.

Enjoy your bike, the extra 300g or so of the frame is completely irrelevant on a tourer (another cake in the pannier). And ALL of us would do better for losing weight rather than spending money on bike upgrades.

Years ago I went to see Chas May, framebuilder about replicating my Marin-based tourer as a custom job. His wisdom was that there would be little benefit in a lighter frame, which would be more squirmy under load. Instead he optimised it with some extra braze-ons and did a beautiful respray.

 

[Subaloo]

Thank you for your advise I'm very grateful.
A cycle shop not so far from me was mentioned,it is run by Mick Madgett in Diss.
I don't know if you have heard of him but apparently he knows his cycles.
I'm going to pay him a visit hopefully, his website certainly looks interesting as far as his Grandfather and apparently it's an Aladdin's cave ?
I have also been in contact with DCR wheels & the owner suggested a Sputnik rim, RSX hub,NOS HG, 7 speed freehubed ??, with a Race/Strong combination ? £90. This is obviously according to my budget.
I'm glad the 501 will work, as mentioned I shall have to look at the forks as suggested by Hamster,
I have a set of Mavic m6 oxygen's but fear they may not be strong enough due to the smaller hubs.

A trip to the bike shop will help I'm sure.

Thanks again for taking the time regarding the frame, it is a good starting point after all.

 

[legrandefromage]

Mavic oxygen are very strong rims!

 

[The History Man]

I am of similar manliness and have not had a problem itch all sorts of exotic and more mainstream toobing.

 

[Subaloo]

Well put history man

Perhaps the Mavic m6's with new hubs, spokes then, is that possible regarding width ?

Rim width, compatible hubs ? :facepalm:

Many thanks, legrandefromage History man

 

[hamster]

I am of similar manliness and have not had a problem itch all sorts of exotic and more mainstream toobing.

Agreed, you won't break the frame or anything with lighter tubesets. However touring loads flex the frame differently to pedalling and a heavier tubing can give nicer handling when loaded.