A trick that used to work pretty well for 120 and 126 frames was to add or subtract spacers on each side of the hub. Sometimes you had to change the axle, but often this could be avoided as a 5-speed axle would adequately engage a 126 frame and a 6-speed axle would not quite protrude outside the DO's on a 120 frame (many were more like 122). Anyone ever tried using a modern 10-speed wheel on a 126 frame by respacing the wheel? I personally haven't examined a moden rear hub to see if this looks possible, but then I have only one bike with modern equipment (actually my wife's) and no real desire to ride the new stuff.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX
LouDeeter@aol.com wrote: Jerry Moos said: I really don't see any reason to spread a frame for a 10-speed cassette just to get a lower gear.
For me, it isn't about getting a lower gear or about getting more gears, it is about the comfort of the brake hoods!! I find the latest Campagnolo Ergo and Shimano STI hoods just feel better than the older on-topic brake levers and hoods. The shifting from the brake levers is a convenience too, but that is not my primary reason for having modern equipment on more than half my lugged steel bikes. I do have a concern about the stress I'm putting on the 126 rear triangles by running 130 rear hubs without permanently spreading the dropouts. I'm still pondering that one, but this latest discussion has pretty much convinced me not to permanently reset the spacing. I know I'm stressing out my frame, but tough, if my frame wants me to ride it, it's just going to have to suffer. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL