I started building bicycle frames when the Columbus® Metax Stainless tubing came out in the early 90’s. The stainless steel was actually quite forgiving to work with.
I started this project open-minded and began working with the tubing. After a course of a week I began to find that the workability was a bit tedious. After 40 hours of mitering with the joint jigger and using almost three bastard files I was ready to do my silver fillet brazing. Normally, I would use a torch tip size of .05 running 5lbs of pressure on each side of the oxygen and propane tanks. Due to the thin-walled of the Reynolds® 953 tubing I resorted to the .00 tip. This made working the flame rather slow and difficult. I found that working the flame for four hours at a time resulted in a bit of the nerve racking ordeal.
I believe that what we have here is an effort on Reynolds® part to provide a very high quality material for frame building. I find questionable if 953 is suitable for this. Note I said bicycle frame building. True Temper® offers their S-3 tubing that basically has the same mechanical attributes of the 953 tubing only without the stainless steel benefits. Although more difficult to work with than the Platinum series tubes, it is still easier to work with than the 953. Applying JC Wiggles® frames saver inside the tubes of a S-3 frame should deter any corrosion considerations for lifetime of the owner. The ride quality of True Temper’s® S-3 tubing is by far one of the most desirable riding experiences I have ever been on. I would expect the same for Reynolds® 953 if you choose the same tubing configuration. It is just not a very workable experience for the frame builder. This in turn creates a cost factor for the extra time involved and then leads one to believe that may be the expense may not be worth it.
So if you are in the market for stainless steel frame expect we’ll pay a premium price for its build. Ordering the tubes takes upwards of three months. I am told that Reynolds will not deliver without a substantial order for a particular set of tubes because they only manufacture when there is a quantity ordered to justify. This leaves the bicycle frame builder in a position where one cannot make any mistakes without the thought of having to wait months for a replacement part.
Information on tubing choices are on web page:
http://www.desperadocycles.com/The_Lowdown_On_Tubing/953_Specifications.htm
Information provided by the manufacture and the wholesaler are on web page:
http://www.desperadocycles.com/Reynolds_953/Manufactures_Information_Reynolds_953_Bicycle_Tubing.htm
If you are looking for a truly unique bicycle frame within impeccable ride where cost is not an object and corrosion is a consideration, then the Reynolds® 953 might fit your bill. (no pun intended).
Feel free to drop a line!
Jalon Hawk
Desperadocycles.com
I can custom build a fork or you can choose from the many available in the market. If you wish to get on the list for a custom 953 frame a $1000 non-refundable deposit will be required. Please inquire!
(715) 484-7261
Weighing out at 3.5lbs!
