oldie to a newie- spreading the dropouts

[Trek420]

Newbie question. Well I'm not new but as a techie, yes.

Mad-what's your goal for the bike? More gearing? If it's a double and replacement 6's and 7's are available could you add a triple? Or is that just not done.

I would think it matters if the frame "just moves back". That's where the frame "wants to be". Don't mess with metal-fatigue. I don't know nuthin' about nuthin' but anything to do with the frame I take it to the village 'smithie

[SadieKate]

I coldset my Mercian from 126 to 130 spacing. It's fine. The "moving back" is infinitesimal and doesn't cause any problems when removing/replacing the wheel.

But that doesn't mean coldsetting is for every frame.

[madscot13]

question is: where do I find a village smithie in a big city like DC?

I have a triple now and that will be upgraded to ultegra or DA, once I figure out durability issues (dura ace should mean durable shouldn't it?!)

I wanted to swtich up to 9 speed so that I could use STI instead of my down tube shifters. If going up to 9 is not possible this makes it a much cheaper project with only bar ends.

[tulip]

Proteus in College Park Maryland has a framebuilder. Give them a call. It's only 8 miles from Logan Circle (but for some reason people in DC think it's way far away)

[madscot13]

say the name Maryland and you've conjured up all sorts of images of exotic lands and faraway places.

I've heard about Proteus. as long as I can get their by metro it is good with me.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I love my bike but it is time to put some bling into it. Umm I mean fine upgrades that will increase the efficiency of my cycling and help me get a good workout

[Tuckervill]

There's a whole big thread on bikeforums.net about doing this in the classic & vintage forum. I read it once. If you search for cold setting frame you should be able to find it.

Karen

[madscot13]

I went to the bike shop today. actually I went to a few bike shops (and there was a liquor store on the way with a beer tasting). I went to one where I felt that the mechanics were decent and at least knew components but the sales guy wanted to sell me a new bike- no respect for a classic. I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea, am I calling them the wrong thing?

I went to another bike shop, much smaller, and I'm not sure if everyone there has something at stake but they all seemed very knowledgeable and knew the ins and outs. I appreciate that. I didn't bike to the shop today (don't ask why it is a long/ lazy story), but they said it shouldn't be a problem because it is a mountain cassette to a mountain cassette.

I think I will be putting on an XT drivetrain for the gear range with r600 brifters. I was thinking about an Dura ace 7703, the last 9 speed dA, but I think I would prefer the gear range for my commute.

[Zen]

I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea, am I calling them the wrong thing?

No, you're not.
What shop was that?

[KnottedYet]

...but the sales guy wanted to sell me a new bike- no respect for a classic. I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea...

RUN AWAY!!!! RUN AWAY!!!!!