Reynolds 520 distributor

[fpavao]

Does anyone know how to get a hold on the taiwan-manufactured reynolds? It's probably cheaper, so I'm on the lookout.

Thanks.

[pruckelshaus]

Strawberry does 525. Their web site is a bit weird (atmo) so there might be other options somewhere.

Strawberry Cyclesport :: Reynolds Cycle Frame Tubing

[jaredjerome]

Fairing distributes it. That's where I buy Reynolds stuff.

Fairing Industrial Inc.

[fpavao]

Yes, but do they sell 520? They only list 525.

Let me explain: I'm not in the US, I'm in Brazil, and importing tubes is really expensive. Also, people (most of them, at least) here don't have the best financial status, so the cheaper the better. All I can find locally is 4130 straight gauge, wich is almost good, but I can't get butted tubes nor chain stays without paying a 100% import tax. If I could get tubes directly from taiwan or maybe even china, I bet I could save a lot and pass it on to the final costumer.

Thanks again.

[jaredjerome]

525 is from Taiwan as well. It wouldn't hurt to ask them if they carry 520.

That said, I'd assume if you wanted to get the tubes shipped direct from Taiwan, you should probably just contact Reynolds directly.

[fpavao]

525 is from Taiwan as well. It wouldn't hurt to ask them if they carry 520.

That said, I'd assume if you wanted to get the tubes shipped direct from Taiwan, you should probably just contact Reynolds directly.

Yes, I've asked them. I'll wait for the reply and post here what they say - hopefully it will be useful for other builders like me. I'm just afraid that they won't ship in small quantities.

Are you sure 525 is made in Taiwan? Reynolds' site says 520 is the same as 525, only made under license for them in Taiwan. Whats the difference then?

[fpavao]

Reply from Reynolds: "Reynolds in Taiwan only make for OEM companies (large orders, not custom builders)".

[jaredjerome]

It's the 520 "range" that is made in Taiwan (both 520 and 525). I honestly don't know the difference between 520 and 525, I've never tried either.

I could be wrong, but that's how I understood the explanation from Fairing.

[suhacycles]

Would Dedacciai stuff be a possibility? I think I heard somewhere that their lower end stuff is made in Taiwan...?

[fpavao]

Would Dedacciai stuff be a possibility? I think I heard somewhere that their lower end stuff is made in Taiwan...?

Maybe. I'll take a look at it. Who sells their tubing? I hadn't even considered it...

Another option could be Tange, but I haven't found anyone selling them too. Their distributors page is kinda messy.

[Dave Anderson]

Maybe. I'll take a look at it. Who sells their tubing? I hadn't even considered it...

.

Joe Bringheli does here in the US: BRINGHELI That probably doesn't help you though.

Dave

[Mark Kelly]

I'm in Brazil, and importing tubes is really expensive.....100% import tax. If I could get tubes directly from taiwan or maybe even china, I bet I could save a lot and pass it on to the final costumer.

Probably not, most companies protect their distributors carefully.

One possiblity would be to buy tubes at retail in Taiwan. There is a least one bike related Taiwanese retailer who routinely sells things on Ebay for $2 plus say $89 shipping. Presumably he declares the value at $2 for customs purposes.

[fpavao]

Joe Bringheli does here in the US: BRINGHELI That probably doesn't help you though.

Dave

It helps a bit. Anything cheap would be better than having a straight gauge chainstay or paying a little fortune for reynolds or columbus.

One possiblity would be to buy tubes at retail in Taiwan. There is a least one bike related Taiwanese retailer who routinely sells things on Ebay for $2 plus say $89 shipping. Presumably he declares the value at $2 for customs purposes.

I'll take a look at that! Probably not very legal, but who cares. As long as I don't get ripped off by the government, it's ok.