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Hi Clubman,
I was interested that you mention that Clive Bonavia only built with Reynolds 753 as I have 4 of his bikes and thought all but one were 531 or 531c tubing. As you painted some of his frames, I would be keen to know more.
Young-Bonavia-
Hi Young
Just been searching on Clive Bonavia as have one of his frames. Fantastic, 753, microcast lugs, Reynolds dropouts. I know of other of his frames that are 531 so definitely not exclusively 753. I would like to have it refurbished so maybe clubman will be the man as he enamelled for Clive. Is the an appreciation society group for Bonavia¿
J
Spenno
Stronglight cranks, but a TA chain ring I think. Did you have any special reason for fitting the ring on the wrong side of the flange?
Incidentally, this is a 'Cyclotouriste' ring and is intended to take a small inner - I'm not sure what the minimum size would be, but you can certainly go down to 32 teeth.
Stan Pike was certainly a good frame builder, and I believe he built many frames for the trade: I think most of Ken Ryall's frames came from him at one time. I believe a heart attack brought his career to a premature end.
As to the 753 badge, in my previous existence as a stove enameller, I painted a number of frames for Clive Bonavia, who only built in 753. Two points I remember about 753 are that Reynolds were insistant that it should never be shot blasted (standard practice with new 531) - only bead blasting was permitted. Luckily this frame doesn't need painting, but it's something to bear in mind for anyone considering refinishing a 753 frame. The other thing is that, rather surprisingly, there is very little difference in weight between the main part of the frame in 753 and butted 531. However the 753 forks are significantly lighter, and I think the weight saving is in the steering tube.