Originally Posted by John E

I think you can still get complete axle kits with cones and nuts.

I really do not see the point of the SS conversion, or even the solid axle swap. Why degrade the bicycle's utility and riding experience?

Bicycle theft was rampant when I attended UCLA (1968-78), and we just pulled the front wheel, set it next to the back wheel, and ran a lock through the frame and both wheels. Some folks just took the front wheel with them to class, instead.