Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
Regarding spreading the stays and not cold setting them, I just wonder whether the feel of a bike is different when the stays are in tension like that instead of being "relaxed" on the axle. Of course the weight of bike and rider does always apply some force. As I said, just wondering.
I made a "DIY" press for my headset just like this guy did for "cold-setting".
The Plano Cyclist: Cold Setting A Bicycle Frame
Even with the "tool" I needed sitting next to my bike as I built it, I saw no reason to spread the stays.
It's really not hard at all to take the rear wheel on or off.
OP, here is a simple way to space steel frames to fit your hub.