Upgrade Reynolds 853 to 953 - is it worth it

redballoon
redballoon Posts: 55
edited October 2010 in Road buying advice
I have a Brian Rourke Reynolds 853 lugged frame that I purchased second hand some years ago and I am thinking of upgrading to a Rourke 953 without lugs. I have always ridden and still like to ride a steel frame but I am wonder if the upgrade would make ay significant difference in terms of weight, comfort, or if anyone has made such an upgrade and were glad that they did. This will be for my summer bike that is mainly fitted with Dura Ace components and traditional Mavic Open Pro 32 spoke wheels and I use it for long rides and the occasional Sportive. Any feedbackl would be greatly appreciated

Comments

  • ellieb
    ellieb Posts: 436
    haven't ridden an 853 but my 953 is lovely. I would say that it would be worth it to go through the Rourkie fitting experience. Whether or not that is VFM I wouldn't know.
  • thel33ter
    thel33ter Posts: 2,684
    It will probably be marginally lighter, but not really noticable, however, the custom fitting if you go for it will make much more of a difference.
    And now you know, and knowing is half the battle
    05 Spesh Enduro Expert
    05 Trek 1000 Custom build
    Speedily Singular Thingy
  • redballoon
    redballoon Posts: 55
    Thanks guys. It sounds like it is all in the fitting.

    Red Balloon
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    If you are comfortable on your bike, I wouldn't bother. The series 9 is stainless, so it's a touch lighter, but that's because the tubes are thinner... overall your frame is probably more reliable and with the lugs it certainly looks better
    left the forum March 2023
  • redballoon
    redballoon Posts: 55
    ugo.santalucia
    Appreciate that. It was resprayed by Bob Jackson's and the Lugs were lined so it does look the biz. I will satisfy myself with buying a Rourke cycling cap instead.

    Red Balloon
  • tenor
    tenor Posts: 278
    Rourke have been making great frames for many years and you already have one.
    A new 953 frame from BR is about £1500 I think. A third of that could buy some nice new handbuilt wheels that would probably greater benefit the ride than the change of frame.
    However, I would also love a new Rourke 953 - now where did I put that colour chart...

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