531 SPECIAL 1976
The Special started in 1976 as the ‘531’ Special with 73 deg. angles, distinct Prugnat lugs, fancier than other used by Holdsworth at the time, the seat stay attachment blended into seat lug.
SPECIAL 1978-1985
1978 Catalogue
The Special has the same frame geomerty but simpler Prugnat, Spearpoint lugs & stay attachments. In the last year it has Reynolds 531C tubing.
Special Frameset Only
| Frame Number System & Location (Repeated on fork Stearer Tube) | 6 Digit Horizontal, High Up on BB Drive Side |
| Frame Tubing (Seat Tube ID – mm) | 531 Special Reynolds 531 DB (27.2) Special Reynolds 531 Butted (27.2) |
| Frame Angles, Head/Seat, (deg) | 73/73 |
| Tube OD (Inch) – Top-Down-Seat | 1 – 1 1/8 – 1 1/8″ |
| Head Tube Lugs | 531 Special Prugnet Special, Special  |
| Fork Crown | 531 Special, Sloping, Oval Blades 1 3/4″ Rake,   |
| Head Set Type | 1″ Threaded |
| Seat Lug | 531 Special Prugnet Special, Special Spearpoint  |
| Seat Stay Attachment | 531 Special Flush-Mitred to Side of Seat Lug Special Semi Wrap Over   |
| Seat Stem Bolt | Nut & Bolt  |
| Bottom Bracket Lugs | Basic |
| Gear Cable Run, Over/Under BB | Over |
| Rear Stay Length (CBB – CDO) | 16 3/4″, 1983 16 1/2″ |
| Wheel Base (Spindle to Spindle) | 40″, 1983 39 3/4″ |
| Rear Dropouts (Front) | Camag Forged Long 1010A |
| Rear Brake Bridge | Straight |
| Brake Bridge Boss – Recessed Bolt | From ~1980 |
| BB Hight | Special 531 10 1/2″ Special 1983 10 3/4″ |
| Wheel Size | 27″/700C |
| Head Badge/Transfer | Badge |
| Decals & Name Plate | 531 Special No Special Yes to TT in some years to Choice |
| BB Cable Guides | Tunnels to BB  |
| BB Oiler | No |
| Gear Change Lever Lugs | from 1985 |
| Rear Stay Gear Cable Guides | Top |
| TT Brake Cable Stops/Guides | x3 to Top from 1980 |
| Mudguard Stay Attachments | Eyes to Dropouts |
| Bottle Holder Bosses | From 1978 |
| Colour | 531 Special To Choice Special To choice, 1983 Brilliant Red, 1985 Pale Mauve Pearl |
| Chrome | 531 Special Ends at Extra Cost |
| Comments |