Reynolds 653

mdvineng":28on0n0j said:

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

Click to expand...

originalshinkicker":3b9h8479 said:

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

Click to expand...

originalshinkicker":1xjnlj30 said:

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.

Click to expand...