How to assess frame quality?

[David B]

Re:

The other product it puts me in mind of is the unbranded TIG-welded training frames built from (Tange, I think) double-butted cromoly that Websters in Leicester used to advertise in CW a few years ago. They used a smaller seatpost than normal (26 or maybe 26.4??) and oddly were only offered in one size (56cm). However, their model with the straight-bladed fork used a threadless steerer; I had the curved-blade version which had a threaded fork with full chrome plating. The braze-on spec and the style of the dropouts certainly checks out from memory though.

David

 

[oonaff]

luggage weighing scales at 'robert dyas' £5 great !

 

[Old Ned]

The number could be a mis-read postcode?

Although where 'YF' is I've no idea!

 

[Vanquish64]

It sounds a lot like the unbranded trainer David describes. Think I may slowly build it up with and spare parts I have but not going to invest too much time (and money) in doing so.
I had been wondering if it was worth swapping my current steel frame bike around for it but based on what I've been hearing it doesn't sound like that's the best idea.

Thanks,
Will

 

[anidel]

Chain hanger on the seat stay....I missed that off my list! Only a little detail and not everyone even bothers to use it, but it's a sign that the builder/designer has paid a bit of care and attention.

I wish I had that on my Holdsworth Mistral! The new paint chips away even if you only look at it. Having that chain hanger would have saved me a bit of retouch on the chainstay!