Originally Posted by
franktompson
Why would you use the wider spindle length to suit the wider dropout please, I don't quite see the connection? The reason I ask is that my dropout width is 135mm, but I fitted a 110mm bb, and front and rear deraiilers don't quite mesh together nicely. Should I try the 113mm?
Frank
The chainwheels and cassette ideally are the same distance from the centerline of the bike, so they line up with each other (distance is called chainline). If the rear is wider presumably that sets the cassette out further, requiring a longer spindle to move the chainwheels out. One thing that should be noted is that all bets are off if we're talking about an older bike. Many variations in distance between cones, threading, right and left extensions and taper of the spindle ends.