631 for touring frame

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dubwoy
Since the 531st tube has been phased out ive been told that the best tube now to use is the 631, being stronger lighter and hardened at the joints. Does anyone know anything about the tube and its suitability to touring bikes. It will be used all being well in a 26 inche wheel touring bike with sloping top tube for extra rigidity.That will take me pan am so that lets you guys know what sort of conditions it will come up against.
Thanks

There is nothing about 631 or any other tubeset that makes it 'the best'. Anyone claiming such is offloading a bargeload of hooey. 631 is lower middle of the road with respect to strength and it's only advantage over some other similar strength alloys is that it is air hardening when welded,meaning that the process does not degrade the tubes strengthwise assuming it is done right. There are many other equally suitable tubesets and the final product is more a function of the craftmanship of the builder than the tubeset used. 853 is also air hardening,much stronger, and thus could be built into an even lighter frame witout compromising durability. Equally durable but haveier frames can and have been made with generic 4130 cromo. 631 is simply somewhere in the middle of a very broad range of options.

Steel is a good material for a touring bike but there is other types that might be better. You did not say whether you are going to use panniers or a trailer. If you are going to use it for a trailer steel would work well but maybe you can look at Aluminum too if you are going to carry panniers. Al offers some good riding with panniers because it can be found in large diameters and offers a stiff frame for the added weight. I don't mean to change your idea about steel though. It is an excellent material

but i reckon that 631 comes in an oversize tube as well , htus haVING THE RIGIDITY OF AL also there is the problem of welding al. should it break, with steel it can be done, im pretty sure steel is the way forward for my intended trip, Alaska to argentina, with panniers.
cheers for your advice

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dubwoy
but i reckon that 631 comes in an oversize tube as well , htus haVING THE RIGIDITY OF AL also there is the problem of welding al. should it break, with steel it can be done, im pretty sure steel is the way forward for my intended trip, Alaska to argentina, with panniers.
cheers for your advice

yeah, oversize 631 is stiffer but heavier,and most blacksmiths can fix it.