Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
I agree, and retract my statement. I should know this because I have built plenty of wheels and used a centering tool. I still think it's not a good idea to cold set a frame 5mm, but that is just my opinion, and clearly no one else here agrees with it.
I don't think it's a great idea either. I cold set one of my first 3 speeds when I wanted to try out an 8 speed hub on it. Didn't like the hub at all, had to bend it back. Bending a frame back and forth is going to ruin it. Who knows, ten years down the road, someone might want your frame back to original and do the same. So yes, I agree with you.
Besides, it's trivial to flex the frame to fit a wider wheel in. All my 120mm spaced bikes have 6 and 7 speeds. If anything, it makes it easier to get the wheel in - the frame holds it steady while you tighten down.
Taking a 2x4 to a bicycle frame is not a good idea, in any circumstances.