Bicycle Mechanics - wheel axle width questions

I have a few questions:

Does the amount of gears have an affect on the rear axle width?

Would you need to measure the span between the dropouts to get the correct rear wheel?

Is it damaging to the frame if you spread it a little to fit wider wheels or sqeeze it together when you tighten thinner wheels? Better yet, how much flex is acceptable to fit wheels on the front and back?

Are fork axle-spans a standard width for 700c wheels?

Thanks for the help.

I have a few questions:

Does the amount of gears have an affect on the rear axle width?

Would you need to measure the span between the dropouts to get the correct rear wheel?

Is it damaging to the frame if you spread it a little to fit wider wheels or sqeeze it together when you tighten thinner wheels? Better yet, how much flex is acceptable to fit wheels on the front and back?

Are fork axle-spans a standard width for 700c wheels?

Thanks for the help.

1. Yup.
2. Yup.
3. Maybe. Issues include frame material, how far you're spreading the triangle, and how much nuisance factor you're willing to tolerate. To me, it's easier to modify the hub to fit the bike frame. that way I only have to mess with it once.
4. Define "fork". If you're talking about front wheels, the answer is "Yes." They're pretty much standardized at 100mm. If you're talking about a rear wheel, they vary from 110mm to 135mm depending upon the age and type of bike.

I have a few questions:

Does the amount of gears have an affect on the rear axle width?

Would you need to measure the span between the dropouts to get the correct rear wheel?

Is it damaging to the frame if you spread it a little to fit wider wheels or sqeeze it together when you tighten thinner wheels? Better yet, how much flex is acceptable to fit wheels on the front and back?

Are fork axle-spans a standard width for 700c wheels?

See: http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing

Sheldon "Make It Work" Brown

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Thanks guys. That did it.

Do #3 only if it's a steel frame. Seriously.