How much variation is there in the opening of front drop-outs? I guess, my question is, was there a change over time, or were front forks built to accommodate specific axle diameters?
I ask because I have a 1950's path-racer bike where the front fork readily takes a Chater Lea front hub, but placing a Campagnolo track hub, or any other hub for that matter, into it won't fit and that lack of fitting is not related to the axle nuts, but rather the diameter of the axle. Measuring shows a difference of approximately six-tenths of a milimeter: the Chater Lea measure ~7.6 mm and the other hubs ~8.2. The rear on the bike accommodates any rear hub.
Would opening the drop-outs slightly be advised? And if so, recommendations on accomplishing that, other than carefully?
Thank you.
Cheers.
Tom Hayes
Chagrin Falls, Ohio USA