Framebuilders - Spreading old Raleigh fork

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Airburst
02-07-10, 11:02 AM
I'm trying to fit modern wheels to a 1950s Raleigh Trent Sports, but I'm having trouble with the front fork. The spacing seems to be about 7-8 mm narrower than the distance between the locknuts on the hub. How do I go about spreading the fork blades to widen the spacing?
Thanks

unterhausen
02-08-10, 09:59 PM
try asking in the C&V forum, you may be more likely to find someone who has done that there. I didn't know there were bikes with narrower hubs than 100mm, than's a new one on me. I'm thinking that 7mm is no problem, a bike shop probably has the Park fork alignment fixture and can do it for you.
Cassave
02-09-10, 10:14 AM
Before you mess with the fork, measure the overlock distance on the hub. Should be 100mm.

Sometimes the obvious can get overlooked.

PolishGuy
02-12-10, 09:20 AM
Airburst- the spacing should be approx 100mm as stated by Cassave. The old Raleigh forks were "spring loaded" to aid in retaining and locating the wheel/hub in it's proper position. When the hub is in it's correct location you may also feel a "snapping" sensation as the hub fits into the grooves on the inside of the fork ends; not all Raleighs have these "grooves" but most do. If in doubt, take the bike or fork to your LBS and have them check the fork ends with their Park tool. By the way, I too have a Raleigh Trent Sports and would luv to see a few pics of yours to compare to mine. It's hard to find info on this model. The color on mine doesn't match that which I've seen on the Retro Raleighs site. Thx, PG.