Utility Cycling - Utility bike frame with horizontal (or semi) dropouts, the choices?
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I've had my LBS order me an internal gear hub, and since my current bike is an ex-mountain bike hybrid with a hard fork, it has a vertical drop-out and is therefore unsuitable to have that kind of hub without a chain tensioner which I absolutely don't want.
I've been trying to find a suitable frame but only found one, the Surly 1x1.
Basically what it needs is:
- 135mm horizontal or semi-horizontal spaced dropout
- fits 26" wheels
- Mudgard and rack eyelets
So far 1x1 is only frame that fits, anyone have ideas?
fender1
07-13-07, 06:53 AM
Get an old steel frame road bike from the 70's or 80's. It will have long horizontal drop outs. Have the rear respaced bythe shop or do it yourself, per the instructions at www.vintagetrek.com. Cold setting is the technical term. All you are really doing is spreading the frame to a wider spacing. Steel can be safely spread. Aluminum and carbon fiber cannot. It is very easy. It is what I did for my bike. I got the idead from Sheldon Brown. Most road bike of the era are 126mm in the rear. You are spreadin ght e frame about half a centemeter on each side. Also mine only had to be spread from 126mm to 132 to accept the hub. See below:
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fender1
07-13-07, 07:29 AM
EDIT: Sorry I missed th 26" wheel requirement in the original post. All the same applies just use an old steel mountain bike frame.
CliftonGK1
07-13-07, 07:46 AM
Older MTB frame sounds like the way to go for ya. If you can find one, I'm partial to my 1991 Stumpjumper. I've got a rack on the back and full fenders front and rear. It's got semi-horizontal dropouts and I'm going to make it a singlespeed townie commuter when I get a new commuter bike.
geo8rge
07-13-07, 08:09 AM
Better to get the frame first.
whatsmyname
07-13-07, 08:21 AM
Have a look at the On-One range e.g. the Inbred. Fairly similar to Surly in many respects.
The 1x1 has track ends. If you are willing to go with those instead of dropouts, you have more options for recent vintage bikes. I think your bigger challenge is finding these bikes that come with eyelets. Though if you get a steel frame, you should be able to find someone to add eyelets without too much trouble.