531 v alloy

[mattsccm]

I have decided its time to retire my 1983 531 Raleigh Competition. Still fancy something steel. The only modern alloy bike I have ridden is my SS CX bike which has seen perhaps 300 days per annum over the last 2 years. Its not all that nice to ride. Therefore my own comparisons are rather limited. Seems to transmit every ripple and I am convinced that the carbon forks don't help. Am I just spoiled with my 531. Anyway things like fit aside do people reckon that a decent steel still has what it takes. Not in the market for the really good stuff, maybe even an older frame. What about weight etc. Just idle musings really.

 

[TheDoctor]

Steel's still good. I've got carbon, alloy and steel bikes, but I probably ride the steel ones the most.

 

[Hacienda71]

Titanium mmmmmmm pricey though!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Anyway things like fit aside do people reckon that a decent steel still has what it takes. Not in the market for the really good stuff, maybe even an older frame. What about weight etc. Just idle musings really.

The 1983 Raleigh Competition was one of the lightest 531 Raleighs at the time. I am pretty sure the bare frame (excluding fork) would weigh around 2.1kgs, plus and minus a couple of hundred grams depending on size.

To compare its weight with other frames, you can look at this table. Roughly speaking you are carrying no more than 500g / 1kg than you would with a modern alu / carbon frame respectively.

What makes you want to retire it?

 

[swee'pea99]

"I have decided its time to retire my 1983 531 Raleigh Competition." Why?

 

[accountantpete]

The main advantage with alloy is that you can make a tube with a larger diameter without the frame becoming too heavy.

A tube with a larger diameter is stiffer than a smaller tube of the same weight.

So basically an alloy bike with outsize tubes will be stiffer (hence the discomfort).

If speed isn't your bag then steel is the way to go - unless you can afford the more exotic!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I run a Cannondale Synapse SL carbon and a Dave Yates 631 steel tourer. I love riding both of them but even allowing for the more stretched position of the Cannondale, the Yates is less tiring to ride for long distances. There really is something about a good steel frame which makesthem feel good.

On the "vintage" side I also have a BSA Prima in 531. That too is a delight to ride and weighs all up at a tad over 20 lbs. If your Raleigh is of that ilk, I wouldn't retire it.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Bloody 'ell, I wouldn't retire a good 531, nay a classic 531 frame for Aluminium.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I've a lovely 1978 531c - I'll retire before it does. And I'll probably be 90+ or dead.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've a lovely 1978 531c - I'll retire before it does. And I'll probably be 90+ or dead.

Can I have it when you go?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

the 531 claud in my sig line is 60 next year…

 

[Fab Foodie]

the 531 claud in my sig line is 60 next year…

My fixie is a 531 Holdsworth of similar vintage.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Can I have it when you go?

What was it you said to me once FF? Oh yes - from my cold dead hands. I'll be buried with the fecker, thank you!

 

[andrew_s]

Send the Raleigh off for a refurb.
Strip down, shotblast, check for terminal rust etc, make frame adjustments (spread rear end to 130mm, add any extra braze ons etc, possibly change steerer for threadless), respray.

 

[Fab Foodie]

What was it you said to me once FF? Oh yes - from my cold dead hands. I'll be buried with the fecker, thank you!

Whereabouts