Paul Donohue 531 competition

Hi everyone,

I've rebuilt a couple of road bikes over the years and was just given to me by a very good friend a 1996 Paul Donohue with Reynolds 531c tubing and Shimano 105 (1055) groupset. The components are in excellent condition and just need a general clean but the frame has suffered what i hope is surface rust. Before i tackle the frame can anyone see by the photos if it's worth doing? And if anyone has any information on Paul Donohue bikes i'd love to hear from you.Thanks in advance, Lee

With a seatpost as long as that did Mike Muz once own this bike?

I looks like it’s seen a few summers come and go what with the fading (unless it’s intentional and in the paint) and also a few winters as well given the surface rust.. must have been someone’s go to bike bike for many years

Very interested to see what you do with this one !

It's definitely seen some miles. My friend bought it new in 1996, rode it for a while then gave it to his brother who used it on a turbo trainer i believe. He was going to rebuild it but has a bad back so gave it to me today.

This bike in the photo is a Dawes Stratos (531), it was originally white, black, yellow and red and was also given to me by my father in law. I had it painted and sourced a few parts to make up the groupset (Shimano 600). Love how this came out, hopefully the Donohue will be as good.

I admit i don't ride nearly half as much as i should (have a couple of health issues) but love the rebuild and research on these old bikes. I've also got a Raleigh Team Corsa which needs sorting too, so enough to keep me going!

I have a Paul Donohue Mtb and the paint job has the same striped effect paint down the tops, and underneath, the tubes

mark

A friend of mine was in school with Paul Donohue and knew him well. He built some excellent frames and I'm sure yours will come up well with a bit of TLC. I've seen a lot worse!

Re:

That surface rust is what happens if you don't wipe down a frame properly after repeated turbo sessions... I've seen a lot worse.

If the rust is just breaking through the paint then it should be fine for either a polish up or a repaint.

Re:

Thanks NeilM. Yes i believe that's what happened, lots of miles on a turbo trainer.