Cold setting

Slow Downcp

I have a Raleigh 531c frameset that is spaced for 6 speed hubs (I think it's 120mm) which I'm thinking about building up as a commuter/workhorse. I do have the original 6 speed parts/wheels but don't fancy commuting with downtube shifters (and 42/53 chainset with 13-21 block), so thinking about respcing the rear dropouts to take a 10 speed hub.

I've looked on Sheldon Brown and it looks like coldsetting involves a couple of pieces of 2 x 4 and brute force - is there any other way to respace the hub? I'm worried that, although the frame is in good condition with no visible rust, I'm likely to snap one of the welds.

gundersen

chances of frame snapping is minimal.
the tubes bend along their entire length.
and it is only mm we are talking about

have done it many times - never had a problem

though some steel frames are as hard as nails
reynolds 531 is not a problem

don't know what SB says but all you need is a long piece of string and a ruler
lay the frame down and pull open the fork - turn and do the same on other side.
Pull the string tight from left back fork around head tube to right front fork and use ruler to see if distance to seat tube is same on both sides