The Proteus Framebuilding Book - Proteus Bicycles

..The Reynolds Tube Company manufactures only a seamless varietyof bicycle tubing. The seam tube has a pronounced raised longitudinalseam of electric weld on the interior of the tube, (This isthe least expensive tubing material) as distinct from the smoothinterior of the Reynolds tube. Welded tubes are heavier in weightand tend to crack or break when over stressed at the weld, hence,welded frame tubes are the least desirable tubes from the cyclists'viewpointWhat should concern the cycling community is that so oftenthe aspiring cyclist believes that label and does not know enoughabout frame short-comings to keep the frame builders honest. Thebiggest bike manufacturers have been notorious about promotingall 531 throughout with additional builder gioarantees but stillthe frames lack what is promised.Welded head tubes are found frequently in disassembled andbroken frames. There are not that much additional profits, onewould think, by substituting a piece of vjelded tubing in place ofthe seamless variety. More likely, either production depleted theseamless head tube stock, (It comes in random, lengths of about 20feet) or the wrong size tubing was ordered or delivered, makingit impossible to press the head set bearings in position or tobraze the head lugs. Maybe there is that much extra profit in it,after all, if the buying public does not care or does not know thedifferenceLet's remember that there are twelve pieces of tubing forwhich that top level thoroughbred Reynolds sticker guarantee appliesHead Tube 1 pieceMain Tubes 3Forks 299