Advice on finding a good old frame?

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Jezston

Jezston

Über Member
Location
London
I've been scanning ebay, posting wanted ads on here for a while now and I'm really struggling to get hold of what I'm after - a 56/57cm / 22.5" lugged 531-based frame to build my ideal pretty SA 3-speed based commuter bike.

Having spoken to a couple of big sellers on ebay this material and sizing appears to be the most popular, particularly this time of year when students are arriving at university and want some cool retro bike, which they may turn fixed.

I've seen some such rather average non big-name frames go on ebay for upwards of £150! Damn hipsters and their fixies!

I've also tried the wanted forum here, but despite having some very nice offers (thanks chaps!) I haven't been able to find anything in my size - I'm six foot but have disproportionately short legs, so anything with a standover height above 32" is just too big.

So are there any other places I can be looking out for bargains?
 
Wobblers

Wobblers

Euthermic
Location
Minkowski Space
You could try the CTC forum. 531 frames do occasionally come up on the "For Sale" board. Alternatively, have you looked at 501 frames? They don't have the same kudos as 531 but you can still find some very decent 501 frames.
 
threebikesmcginty

threebikesmcginty

Corn Fed Hick...
Location
...on the slake
McWobble said:
Alternatively, have you looked at 501 frames? They don't have the same kudos as 531 but you can still find some very decent 501 frames.
Click to expand...

+1

Go for a 501 if you just want a decent runaround, you'd be surprised at how light weight a 501 frame is, tough too. I picked up an old Raleigh on Gumtree for £40. Also check your local paper's classified section - look out for 10 speed racers. They're still out there and if you're away from ebay you haven't got loads of people bumping the price up to a silly level.
 
OP
OP
Jezston

Jezston

Über Member
Location
London
Thanks for those links porteous, however none are quite the right size for me!

I've found another bike that seems worth looking at, although it's bloody miles away in the middle of nowhere so not sure how I'll pick it up if I do decide to go for it.

I asked the owner if there were any markings on type of steel etc, and he said the stickers only said the following:

Hand Made in France | World Champion Competition | Sport | Grand Prix | Fosmos Caliper | Mod Depose | ESGE

Any of the above tell us anything at all?

Regarding 501, I was under the impression it is a great deal heavier than 531? I'm not in a huge hurry so might rather hold out for a 531 frame if they are significantly better... thoughts?
 
Davidc

Davidc

Guru
Location
Somerset UK
531 is probably better than 501, but the tubes came in several flavours and the heavier ones weren't much lighter than 501 if at all. Worth a bit of research on the web if you need more info.

There were other steels worth having back in the last century. I had a Peugeot bike for over 20 years which was made from French tubes, and it was no heavier than its 531 framed predecessor, and although different (in geometry if nothing else) was a comfortable and responsive steed.

Good luck with your quest. I tried and failed a few years back. I'm 5'10" and need the old 21" frame. Just as popular and just as rare as the one you're after. There were a few around but every time I thought I'd found one I rejected it because of rust, being out of true or not in as good a condition as I'd been led to believe before going to see it - hence overpriced.
 
tyred

tyred

Squire
Location
Ireland
If you are willing to consider a lady's frame, you could probably turn up an almost prestine bike for very little money.
 
Baggy

Baggy

Cake connoisseur
Location
Where the chevrons are
The London Fixed Gear and Single Speed Forum is a good place to look, though you'll have to register and participate in a few discussions before you can PM members (there are quite a few familiar names over there...). Hilary Stone frequently sells some great frames on there.
 
P

piedwagtail91

Guest
i know how you feel. my son has been looking for a similar bike/frame for ages to build a singlespeed for winter and had had no luck.
he's decided to go for a new pompino frame which although expensive by comparison has all the braze ons and good clearance for big tyres.
i'd never have thought that old steel frames and bikes would be so popular in this carbon everything age.
 
OP
OP
Jezston

Jezston

Über Member
Location
London
ATTENTION LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

I have seen a frame on ebay that I think could be just the ticket. Looks nice, nice lugwork, owner claims is 531 BUT there are no decals proving this, and the make is one I have never heard of nor can find any info about online.

It's apparently a dutch 'Careba'.

If anyone thinks they might be able to proffer advice let me know and i'll give you the ebay link - sorry paranoid it might be just the ticket and i'll end up getting myself outbid by someone who sees the link here!

LESS THAN ONE HOUR TO GO! So if you think you can help, and it will be HUGELY appreciated if you could, then let me know asap! :smile:
 
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