Originally Posted by
cyclotoine
hehe.. Devil's advocate. I am sure Wulf suggested this tongue in cheek, because this would be insane.
Let me ask you forum member... when was the last time you checked to see if your top tube was perfectly level on a perfectly level surface plate? I would be very surprised if any of my top tube are perfectly level given all the variables that go into it.. tire variation, pressure, headset type. position of rear wheel in drop outs... small variations in the construction that are inconsequential... etc.
I use the axle centers. Most are. A number are not. Some rise as much as 8 mm between the seat lug and the head tube. These are for the most part middle size range frames.
Note that if the frame was designed with a "Nuovo Record" steel headset and one exchanges it for a Super Record, you will be off.
I set in almost all cases the rear wheel at the forward most adjustment of the rear dropouts.