126 to 130 spacing question
 

I have an 1989 Trek 1500 that is supposed to have 126mm rear spacing. I know I can not spread the rear triangle because it is a bonded aluminum frame. However when I put in the 126 spaced rear wheel there is quite a bit of space that I have to tighten up with the quick releases. To experiment I put on a 130 spaced wheel (no cassette), and it fit in without having pull apart the dropouts.

Question #1 - would it be safe to run a 130 rear wheel?

Question #2 - could I use a 10 speed cassette/chain with the old Shimano 600 derailers and shifters as long as the downtube shifters are in friction mode?

Question #3 - Has anyone else done? results?

Thanks

I asked the same questiona couple of weeks ago. It shouldn't be a problem.
As for the 10 speed cassette/chain with an old shimano 600... it doesn't look like a problem as well..but have a look at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/dura-ace.html

1. By 1989, there were bikes with 130mm spacing, some with 128mm spacing to accomodate both 126 and 130 hubs easily, and some with 126mm spacing. It sounds like your dropouts are perhaps spaced at 130mm? Regardless, it doesn't sound like anything to worry about since it sounds like a 130mm hub is the best fit.

2. The rear derailleur and shifters should be fine, the front derailleur probably won't shift too well because the cage is so wide, but with friction shifting it might not be a big problem. Also, if you're using the old crankset, the extremely narrow 10 speed chain might not like the wide spacing between the chainrings, it would be prone to jam between the rings-

chain clearance on frame?

I had a '92 Trek 1420, the same bonded Al frame as your 1500. Mine came with 7-speed 105 hubs spaced 126 mm. However, like yours, the frame was a slightly loose fit with the OEM wheel and a 130 mm hub fit with little effort. I believe it was spaced 128 mm to fit both hub widths since a higher line bike using the same frame came with 8-speed Ultegra.

Thanks to everyone for the answers. I will give it a shot with the 130 wheel and see how it works.