Mark Bulgier wrote "I don't think I'd trust a frame builder who would make a
frame "so tight that the rear wheel cannot be removed without deflating the
tire. That is a serious gaffe IMO."
Well, in the late '80s and early '90s when folks were running those
ridiculous skinny tires for racing some of our very best frame builders
built them that way when asked. I had one that drove me nuts (perhaps this
was more of a putt than a drive?).
When I had Brian Baylis re-spray a Baylis I owned last year or the year
before one of the first things I asked him was if that could be changed. He
modified the drop outs and for the first time I could get a tire out (or
in...even more of a problem when on the road and possessed of only a
mini-pump). This was accomplished without noticeable change to the bike
much to my relief.
I do agree with Mark on the silliness of this point...100%!
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi