Originally Posted by
Kontact
You don't need digital calipers to make the spacing about 130mm. You don't need precision to any decimal places. A ruler works great.
The actual bending can be done with bare hands, a board and padding, etc. When the OP decides to go that route there are many resources.
The hardest part is really aligning the dropouts after spreading.
Agree, you get it within a couple of mms to what spacing you need (better being on the wider side so wheels slip in easily) and you should be fine. Not everyone does a realignment of their dropout faces zfter cold setting the stays with no real consequences, but if you can, do it.
I now remember the severe dishing that Helicomatic hubs did have after reading this post. Thankfully, I did not break any spokes or flanges at the rear wheel, but I went through two sets of hub bearings when they ground themselves up into smithereenees after not too many miles..... The undersized bearings are another good reason to ditch Helicomatic hubs.