I'm converting a 1973 Raleigh Professional to single speed. Everything but the tires/tubes, brake pads, cables, saddle, bars, brake levers and rear gear will be original - including the 27"x1.25" Weinmann rims on high-flange Campagnolo Record hubs.

I got a 16T BMX freewheel to use. But, even with the stock inner chainring, the chainline is still off by ~1cm. I know I could fix this by respacing and redishing the back wheel. But, with the age of the spokes & rim, I'm a little hesitant about the redishing part.

So, what are everyone's thoughts? Is this 1cm going to be a big deal in a SS application?

If it affects your answer, the stock chainring is 3/32", the BMX freewheel is 1/8" and I'll be using an 1/8" chain.

Thanks.

Steve

1cm is quite a lot to be out. Why don't you just try it and find out.

uhhhhh, easy. chainring bolt spacers. they come in loads of sizes (up to like 4mm's, maybe more), and though it wont be perfect i should help a lot and negate the issue. for a ss, it should be fine

Agreed that 1cm is kind of a lot for FG or SS. If you don't want to respace the rear axle you could change the bottom bracket out and get the crank as close to the frame as it will go without touching, or as was suggested above use chainring spacers to move the ring inboard.

If you can't get it right then using a 3/32 freewheel and chain might help a bit as they are designed to run at an angle whereas 1/8 chains are generally designed to run straight.