I am contemplating an upgrade on my 89 Paramount. Sram's Etap looked like the ideal way to add electronic shifting without all the wires, zip ties, boxes, etc., required with Di2. Unfortunately I cannot install Etap unless I spread the rear dropouts from 126mm to 130mm. Has anyone done this? What does this entail? Will it adversely alter the handling, integrity, durability, esthetics, paint, etc.? I'm assuming this should be done by a professional. Thanks.

While cold setting the rear dropoutz would be the "correct" method, alot of people simply spread the rear drops by hand while installing the wheel. The reaf triangle sbould easily give. Its only 4mm.

For a steel frame, a spread of 126mm to 130mm should be no problem at all.

I spread my UO-8 from 120 to 123mm (ultra-6) and my Capo Modell Campagnolo from 120 to 126 (standard 6-speed), all without any issues whatsoever.

Electronic shifting is the one form of post-friction transmission control which actually interests me -- let us know how the project goes!

See how difficult it is to fit the new hub between the drops. It just might prove the need to cold set the stays is not really needed, at all.

If you do cold set the stays, ensure that the stays remain centered to the center line of the bicycle. Also, check to ensure that the drops are square and parallel to one another. Have a look at Stringing Your Frame Set and you will have a better understanding of how to go about this sort of thing.

Hope that helps.

1989 Paramounts came in two flavors, Columbus SLX (SL/SP mix on larger frames) or True Temper OS. Neither is heat treated, so you should be able to cold set the rear triangle to 130mm OLD without any problem. I have successfully cold set 120mm to 130mm rear dropout spacing on chromoly frames. The key is to ensure the two sides are spread equally so that the frame is correctly aligned, and that the rear dropouts themselves are parallel to each other after cold setting.

If you have any doubts that you can do this yourself, then by all means have a qualified person (experienced LBS mechanic or a framebuilder) do it for you.

Sheldon Brown explains the cold setting process HERE.

EDIT - The dropout alignment procedure is now a separate page on Sheldon's website.

Make sure to post pictures when it's built up. It will certainly be the first 80s frame with electronic shifting I've seen!