120mm hub in 126mm drop-outs?

RaymondoW
RaymondoW Posts: 3
edited June 2007 in Workshop
I'm new to the forum so apologies for any errors or omissions.

I'm converting a nice 531SL frame to fixed - the drop-outs are 126mm. The LBS suggest a spaced-out 120mm (Surly) hub. Instinctively I don't like this suggestion and would prefer to go for a "proper" 126 hub (Goldtec?) but the bike suits a more traditional look (i.e. non-anodized). Is there a mechanical reason I shouldn't go with the LBS suggestion? Does anyone know of a traditional looking 126 hub?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Comments

  • monty_dogcp
    monty_dogcp Posts: 382
    As it's a steel frame, as long as the axle is long enough, you'll be able to pull it in, it's only 3mm either side. If you can flex the rear seatstays with hand pressure, it will be flexible enough. The Planet-X or SJSC fixed hub has slightly longer axles in comparison to the similar Formula/Ambrosio version - they can be easily spaced with a couple of 10mm washers either side.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Welcome!

    If you search in Special Interests (the natural home for things fixed!), you may find some useful stuff - maybe even copy this Q there?

    FWIW, I see no mechanical reason against spacing a 120 - indeed, could probably simply pull in the stays to fit an unspaced 120. Only mechanical issue IMO is chainline.

    That'll do for starters: expect the more technically minded will be along shortly!

    d.j.
    "Not much to see,
    Not much left to lose"
  • monty_dogcp
    monty_dogcp Posts: 382
    Chainline isn't an issue - chainline is set from the centreline of the hub and shell width - a respaced hub to 150mm would still have a 42mm chainline.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Indeed it would, but surely a 120 oln might have a smaller chainline than a 126?

    d.j.
    "Not much to see,
    Not much left to lose"
  • drhaddock
    drhaddock Posts: 664
    IIRC 126mm Goldtecs are just 120mm hubs with spacers. I guess the problem with getting a dedicated 126mm hub is the faff if you ever want to stick it on a track bike. I'd just pull the frame in if I were you.

    Doc
  • jonnywilkinson
    jonnywilkinson Posts: 356
    yeah I would go with the Doc on that. get a nice wheel built around a 120mm hub - if the fixie bug gets you then you might want to be on the track one day

    Jonny
    FGG #2545 & #2983
    Jonny

    FGG 2545, 2983
  • RaymondoW
    RaymondoW Posts: 3
    Thanks for your comments - I'll go with drhaddock's suggestion.
  • monty_dogcp
    monty_dogcp Posts: 382
    Generally, chainline for a fixed/track hub is 42mm, regardless of the OLN dimension for the hub - they all start with the same hub shell and just add spacers / fit longer axles.
  • SDP
    SDP Posts: 665
    if the axle is long enough an extra locknut on each end of the axle will do the job...if & when you then get a 120frame just remove them & VOILA!

    remember tho to keep it symetrical...[;)]

    www.mjsracing.net
    www.mjsracing.net

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