Hi Jakub,

Thanks for that. I got a couple of manuals with the bike but nothing specific about the hub so what you've put there is really helpful.

I figured out how to disconnect things at the back end by myself last night but didn't recalibrate afterwards so will follow your instructions and do that in a minute.

When i took it apart i did think about adding some washers to the outside of the assembly on the chain side so that the frame wasn't pulled so far towards the chain when everything was tightened. In the end i didn't bother as removing the wheel was proving to be tricky (i disconnected the brakes but when i realised the mudguard had to come off aswell i gave up!) and i doubt the washers would have changed much anyway.

The gap/lack of gap between the frame and chain is constant so the crankwheel is probably isn't bent.

I've been for a quick spin since reassembly and it still rides well despite me not calibrating the hub.

However, the chain/frame clearance still hasn't improved and i'm now having trouble keeping the chain tight enough after adjusting. It seems to loosen off after just a few meters riding but i think it was a bit too overly tight to begin with.
I'm loath to overtighten the wheel nuts so i'll just adjust the hub and see if the loosening continues or settles down. The wheel adjuster modification looks like a good idea.

To be honest, the chain was and still is only just 'kissing' the frame so i'll just have to add some padding to protect the frame. I guess i could have just done that in the first place but i wouldn't have had so much fun!

On the plus side, i'm learning quite a bit about bicycle mechanics!!!

Matt