Should the back wheel fit exactly into the dropouts
 

Hi. Very new rider gaining experience in an eBay special before hopefully buying a proper bike.

Replaced an inner tube on the back and noticed that the wheel doesn't settle correctly on the dropouts as I expected them to. Should they fit in exactly? Haven't ridden since as concerned wheel isn't on securely. Friend has mentioned that the wheel is a bit off centre but at my stage it isn't that important. I have attached a photo. Could someone please let me know if the dropouts are for adjustment or the wheel is unsafe. Thank you for any replies http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=409993

It should not settle into the dropouts like you think , the room in the dropout is for adjustments( to take the slack out of the chain ), but the axle should sit in the same spot on both side of the frame (dropout ) . And the wheel should be center between the chainstays and the seatstays of the frame .

Thank you for that. I'll have a fiddle with it and be back out tomorrow

You welcome .

If "exact" means a millimeter or so, then yes. Not along the length of the slot, which is for adjustability, but in the width of the slot, and the dropout width.

One trick that ensures that the wheel will always install square is to have the bike upright on level ground when you align between the chainstays and tighten. This lets gravity ensure that the tops of the dropouts are resting on the axle, and the wheel isn't twisted, -- on the bottom of the slot on one side and the top on the other.

those horizontal dropouts allow a single speed hub to tension a chain (just enough ) and obviously, the derailleur type too ..

the place you should look is the space between the chainstays, closest to the BB, the tire should be centered between those tubes .