Replacing this wheel

World\'s Dump

I would like to replace the attached wheel which is a 27 x 1.25 for a 700c wheel. Rather than take the free wheel off can anyone offer any advice/guidance on how to measure/work out what size axle or wheel I would need?

Thanks

Nick

simon_masterson

What's the rear spacing?

crankycrank

To measure just put the wheel in the frame and notice if there is any gap between the frame and axle nuts. Then just remove the wheel and measure the distance between the stays and add the gap if there was one. Presto. Chances are it has a 125mm spacing and most modern road hubs will have a 130mm spacing. This shouldn't be a problem with your steel frame as it can be permanently spread to accept the 130mm. You could also just rebuild the hub you have with a new 700c rim and spokes.

World\'s Dump

Thanks... is that cold setting you are referring to?

simon_masterson

Yes. Most steel frames will cold set (very thin walled tubes like 753 can buckle), but for small differences you can just spring the frame open when putting the wheel in. My main bike is spaced 120 and the current wheel is 122, for example.

World\'s Dump

Thanks Simon,

I did measure the spacing that's from drop out to drop out. Isn't it?

World\'s Dump

Will remeasure

World\'s Dump

By my reckoning it's a 120mm spacing. Which according to Sheldon Brown http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_sp-ss.html would correspond with a Rear 5-speed which it is. So basically the next step is to look for a 700c with an overlocknut distance of 120mm?

Thanks

simon_masterson

World\'s Dump wrote:

By my reckoning it's a 120mm spacing. Which according to Sheldon Brown http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_sp-ss.html would correspond with a Rear 5-speed which it is. So basically the next step is to look for a 700c with an overlocknut distance of 120mm?
Thanks

That is probably your cheapest option, yes, given how cheaply perfectly serviceable wheels can be had for on eBay and classifieds, but as was said above, the existing hub could also be rebuilt on a 700c rim. You could also buy a better hub for the same spacing for little money and do likewise, but I don't really see much point in that. Prior to 130mm, 126mm was commonly used for 7 speed road wheels; whilst I have not tried, I imagine that a 120mm spaced frame might be able to accommodate a 126mm wheel with a bit of wrestling (that's not to say that this is a long term solution), though don't quote me on it!

To be honest, it really depends on what you want to do. 130mm would give you access to modern kit, but I don't consider it cost effective or necessary to put a modern transmission on an old bike. Respacing to 126mm would allow you to use any freewheel (you can use a 6 speed with 120mm spacing but it has to be ultra spaced), or a 7 speed freehub.

Paging Rolf F and other old bike fans on here!

World\'s Dump

Thanks Simon was hoping to keep the old screw on and transmission etc. I live near a few hills and whilst I do have an MTB, I would like to restore the attached 10 speed so that I can climb the hills on road.

simon_masterson

No problem. If you're happy with your 5 gears, the only other consideration is your brakes - some calipers don't have enough drop, but the difference is very small, and many will be fine.

World\'s Dump

Yes I have considered this may be an issue but will cross that bridge when I come to it i suppose. Currently I have a bare frame that needs further sanding, priming etc. Plus I have an expectant girlfriend and I have no doubt the project will get put on the back burner for the next 18 years or so

World\'s Dump

Thanks.... finding it difficult to find for the moment, 120mm spaced wheels, could consider cold setting and looked into wheel building on Sheldon Brown. Is it as easy as they say?