531 frame weight.

[Robbied196]

Ta.
I have all the details but want an exact weight for a frame. thats part of the project. How light can I build a specific bike.
Anyone got a frame in the garage?

There won't be an 'exact' weight because of all the variables, tour frame, race frame, lugs. A ball park is going to be around 4.5 pounds (2kg). Its catch 22, you won't know the exact weight until you buy the frame

 

[sisyphus]

I recently bought a 531 SL frame and was suprised as to how light it felt.

 

[shawnb]

I've recently weighed a 57cm centre to top 531c frame and it was 2080grams. The forks were 790.
Shawn.

 

[mattsccm]

Never mind!

 

[Spokesmann]

Does this weight thing mean anything, assuming you just want a characterful classic machine with a good frame to ride? Personally I don't give a stuff wether a steel frame is a few grams or what heavier than something else...

 

[Tel]

I don't currently have a frame to weigh for you (Shawn has put weights above) but I can tell you my old 531c Raleigh weighed in at 22lbs (10kg) which is about the average weight of 531c with an average groupset (mine had Shimano 600) and downtube shifters (STI's weigh quite a bit generally).

HTH

 

[keithglos]

In the 1950/60's a typical butted 531 frame would be supplied complete with forks, head set and steel bracket set. The weight was 6.5 to 6.75 lbs, in a standard spec with Nervex or similar lugs.
Weight was not considered as important as the way the bike felt and responded. The "gas-pipe" bikes always felt dead, but could be improved with wheels and tyres with low revolving weight and low resistance.
The 531 frame was always much stronger than the heavy seam welded tube type.