Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Does rear spacing make any practical difference?

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stronzo
06-28-04, 09:07 AM
I just got a new 531 road frame that I'm going to make fixie, and the rear spacing appears to be 123mm for some reason so I can go either 120mm or 126mm on the rear wheel. I'm wondering if there's any major handling difference or reason to go with one over the other. Thanks in advance.

familyman
06-28-04, 09:33 AM
120 will have the cog closer to the centerline of the bike allowing you to run narrower cranks, if you like that sort of thing. Of course between 120 and 126 we're talking possibly (not definatley) moving the cranks together 6mm, that's 1/4 inch so not much of a difference really.
I'd personally go with 120 as you have way more hub choices in 120.
cyclorat
06-28-04, 09:53 AM
wider=more lateral stifness (+) but more "quack" (-)

stronzo
06-28-04, 09:59 AM
what's "quack"?
roadfix
06-28-04, 10:33 AM
I would just go with whatever hub is available to you to build this thing up. I personally prefer using 120 fixed hubs.
cyclorat
06-28-04, 01:15 PM
how far your crank/chainring is away from your frame. unless its obnoxiously bad, you wouldnt have to worry about it unless youre racing or are a snob...

so, pick a nice hub and dont worry. 126 might be nicer if you have the option, but 120 is definitely easier to get.

happy fixin!
jeff williams
06-28-04, 01:43 PM
how far your crank/chainring is away from your frame. unless its obnoxiously bad, you wouldnt have to worry about it unless youre racing or are a snob...

so, pick a nice hub and dont worry. 126 might be nicer if you have the option, but 120 is definitely easier to get.

happy fixin!

@#$% 140 mm axle. OMG! I'm screwed.
Poguemahone
06-28-04, 04:56 PM
Get a 120, add a 1mm spacer on either side, and you're at 122mm. That's probably the original spacing; when six speed came in, several manufacturers spaced the rear dropouts out 122 (Peugeot, Motobecane, Trek, maybe more) for a short while.
stronzo
06-28-04, 09:17 PM
Ya, it's a frame from some company called ASport, looks like early or mid 70s. Anyone ever heard of it?


Get a 120, add a 1mm spacer on either side, and you're at 122mm. That's probably the original spacing; when six speed came in, several manufacturers spaced the rear dropouts out 122 (Peugeot, Motobecane, Trek, maybe more) for a short while.