bluenote157

I have rear dropouts that accommodate 126mm 6/7speed freewheel. I purchased some fixed wheelsets that are spaced at 120mm. How important is it that I add spacers to the hub to make up the difference? It seems that once I tighten down the bolts (whether or not I add spacers to make up the 6mm) the wheel/cog would be in the exact same spot in terms of the chainline.

Wouldn't all of the adjustment at this point really have to be done with fudging the chainrings with spacers?

Thanks!

Aeroplane

Well, ideally, squeezing the stays wouldn't affect chainline, but in actuallity, one side probably gets screwed down more than the other. And it can take a toll on your track nuts.

But spacing can be a good thing. If you adjust the amount of spacers you put on each side, you can do slight adjustments to your chainline. Some redishing of the wheel may be in order if you really have it unbalanced, though.

LóFarkas

You got it all backwards.
You have the opportunity now to get your chainline perfectly spot on with a few spacers, without struggling with your chainring (BTW chainring spacers are probably a solid recipe for loosening/creaking chainrings).
I'd certainly not pinch my frame toghether. Why would you hack it when you can do it right for 25c???

bluenote157

Thanks Aeroplane and LoFarkas! This was exactly the answer I was looking for.

Aeroplane

Also: if your frame isn't steel, bending of any sort really shouldn't be an option.