Bent frame - sell, repair, adapt, live with?

[Ugo51]

Size 52-54
Ideally, modern enough to take 130mm wheels, with mudguards and pannier rack mounts.

There is a Witcomb frame on eBay, which is quite nice, but maybe a tad too small.
I also saw a vintage Kinesis Racelight, the first version, with the threadless 1' steerer. I'm familair with the threaded 1', or threadless 1 1/8 but never had a frame with the middle child of the steerers family.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Size 52-54
Ideally, modern enough to take 130mm wheels, with mudguards and pannier rack mounts.

There is a Witcomb frame on eBay, which is quite nice, but maybe a tad too small.
I also saw a vintage Kinesis Racelight, the first version, with the threadless 1' steerer. I'm familair with the threaded 1', or threadless 1 1/8 but never had a frame with the middle child of the steerers family.

Inch Threadless is ok as long as you have the fork...
Headsets easily available, but there's a serious lack of choice of fork.

You can always fit a Threaded fork anyway.

But a Kinesis race light is a stiff aluminium frame, fast and hard, whereas I imagine the Whitcomb would be a relatively soft riding 531.

 

[Ugo51]

yeah, it does come with a fork.

It's interesting you mention that. My daily ride is a modern aluminium bike, and it's stiff.
When I first rode the Orbit, which has a 531 frame, I was surprised by how compliant it is. Very lovely. If only it was straight...

 

[grantoury]

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

 

[Ugo51]

And it probably costs an arm and a leg

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

 

[bikeworkshop]

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

They don't.

And it probably costs an arm and a leg

And weighs a ton, plus lacking in spring to suit heavy front luggage.

It's always worth getting a frame and fork together - the fork can be quite a challenge, and spoil the ride if it's wrong.

 

[pigman]

those 1st gen Racelight frames are going to be getting on for 30 years old. Even some of the ones with a 1 1/8 fork are early 2000s. I know age as such doesn't matter to a Retrobiker, but I'm not sure of the fatigue life of aluminium.
Also, you're talking maximum 28mm tyres with guards, so if you like fat squidgy tyres, it may not be for you.

 

[Ugo51]

I do sometimes think about the fatigue. Especially on forks...

25mm tires are OK. I mean, 32 would be the best, but wanting a cheap frame I can't be too choosy.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I do sometimes think about the fatigue. Especially on forks...

25mm tires are OK. I mean, 32 would be the best, but wanting a cheap frame I can't be too choosy.

You can be choosy because its a buyers market.

There's 531 frames, if the finish is poor - bike enthusiasts give them away.

Just put a request in wanted
Get you size and style stated,
Like "80s 531 touring frame and fork 21" wanted cheap"
You'll get some good offers.

It's not like the
"Minty klein with xtr wanted cheap" ad by any measure.

Those old bikes need saving.