Reynolds 653

[Haylock1974]

Could anyone please tell me when Reynolds 653 was first introduced by Reynolds?

I read somewhere that fundamentally it is the same as 753. Is this correct?

 

[mdvineng]

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/retro- ... 24502.html

 

[Haylock1974]

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/retro-classic/reynolds-653-tubing-combi-set-753-lite-224502.html

Thanks mdvineng...very helpful yet confusing!!!!

 

[Chat Noir]

Re:

Here's part of 1992 catalogue, poor reproduction. I copied from this link:

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2 ... 19682.html

- if you scroll to bottom of the discussion shows both pages of the catalogue as well as various arguments. 653 was a mix of tubes, the stays being 753. Lloyd suggests introduced in 1988 or 1989 - my Peugeot 653 dates from 1990.

 

[originalshinkicker]

653 came about after 1989 when Reynolds updated their range. Out went tube names like 753R/753T and 531Pro that were introduced in 1982 and in came just the one labelled version of 753 then 653, 731 and 708.

653 is a mixed tube, multi strength tube set so the tensile strength of each part of the frame is different - forks are approx 52T (tonne), main tubes 60T and stays 85T. The rear stays are 753, that is why stays on a 653 frame need to be silver soldered (and also recommended not to be chromed). Forks are simply plain old 531c. Main tubes are the same gauge as 753 but without the strength of the 753 tube (653 TT and ST 0.7/0.5 and DT 0.8/0.5).

Neil

 

[Haylock1974]

653 came about after 1989 when Reynolds updated their range. Out went tube names like 753R/753T and 531Pro that were introduced in 1982 and in came just the one labelled version of 753 then 653, 731 and 708.

653 is a mixed tube, multi strength tube set so the tensile strength of each part of the frame is different - forks are approx 52T (tonne), main tubes 60T and stays 85T. The rear stays are 753, that is why stays on a 653 frame need to be silver soldered (and also recommended not to be chromed). Forks are simply plain old 531c. Main tubes are the same gauge as 753 but without the strength of the 753 tube (653 TT and ST 0.7/0.5 and DT 0.8/0.5).

Neil

Thanks Neil

So what is the general consensus regarding a Reynolds 653 tubeset? Good? Bad?

What is the benefit of mixing the tubes?

 

[originalshinkicker]

Lots of builders mix tubes - each tube in a frame serves a purpose as each is subject to different forces and stresses. It was once a case of having a full tube set such as 531 or 753; each tube was from the same set with the same characteristics. The story about Merckx is something I've heard before. Forks need to have different characteristics to the frame so it is sensible to have different tubes. 653 is a really nice tube set.

 

[Haylock1974]

Lots of builders mix tubes - each tube in a frame serves a purpose as each is subject to different forces and stresses. It was once a case of having a full tube set such as 531 or 753; each tube was from the same set with the same characteristics. The story about Merckx is something I've heard before. Forks need to have different characteristics to the frame so it is sensible to have different tubes. 653 is a really nice tube set.

Thanks again Neil.

BTW If you ever need to offload one of your bikes/frames please let me know!!!! Just started following you on IG.

 

[Old Ned]

I was told 'The Merckx Story' by a senior Reynolds executive at a trade show a few years ago so I take it as being true. Seems he rode Paris-Roubaix on a full 753 frame and didn't enjoy the experience. He discussed this with Reynolds and they came up with the hybrid 653 tubing set which was more to his liking.

 

[AndyMart]

653 appeared in Raleighs catalogues in 1987.