jliet

Found a very decent looking vintage bike, in good condition, only problem is that the frame is unbranded (7005 heat treated aluminium, tig welded). Attached a picture. I mainly want to use the bike for touring, so questioning how it compares to the classic steel Reynolds 531 frame for an example.

I have read a lot of information regarding frame material but still would like to hear what people thing when it comes to unbranded vintage Al frames.

Cheers.

AlexCyclistRoch

No picture, have no idea what you have.

jetboy 

cant post pics until you hit 10 posts, but you can still link to pictures elsewhere ( think).

jliet

Here's the link:
imgur.com/a/Iao89

And yeah sorry didn't realise I couldn't post direct images yet. Any advice on the frame would be appreciated. Currently more tempted to just not risk it and get a steel classic frame.

bikemig 

That one pic doesn't tell me much about whether the bike is suitable for touring or not, imgur.com/a/Iao89

I would not get hung up on whether the bike is aluminum or steel but I would be concerned about whether the bike fits and whether it is the right tool for the job.

JohnDThompson 

Welded aluminum frames tend to have large diameter tubes, and thus will be stiffer than a steel frame, all else equal. Whether this additional stiffness is a benefit or a detriment is something only you can determine.

TenGrainBread 

Tires and contact points will matter much more for the ride/comfort than frame material.

Also FYI the "heat treated" moniker is just marketing. Nothing special - all aluminum bicycles require heat treatment or artificial aging after welding in order to relieve stresses in the grain structure and gain back toughness.

jliet

Heres another image (better one of the frame).

imgur.com/a/3NdgH