How to Adjust Spacing on a Bike Frame
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- How to Adjust Spacing on a Bicycle Frame
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Short Video showing How to adjust and expand the rear triangle of a steel bike frame to allow a newer wheel with wider hub spacing to be fitted. This process is called cold setting and should only be done on a steel frame only. DO NOT try this on the following Bicycle frame materials, Aluminum, Carbon, or titanium. The process involves expanding the rear triangle beyond where you want them to be to achieve the distance required. In this how to video I go through the exact distance I am adjusting to achieve the spacing on the frame that is required.
The video then shows a technique for checking the alignment of the bike frame which is cheap and effective.
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All the best and thanks for watching I hope that it has been helpful! Andy
You only need to do the nut on one side. Both sides will get pushed out equally. Newton's 3rd law I believe. And besides the frame alignment, you probably also want to check the alignment of the dropouts.
OK Thanks, Ill pin this comment to the top and add the link to your alignment video! th-cam.com/video/PsU8IkkFaok/w-d-xo.html
Yes you might want to spread the dropouts with the washers on the outside kept very tight basically spread one or two turns on the outside, and one or two turns on the inside for each side. It will take longer but it will help to keep the dropouts parallel. I have a 15 inch crescent wrench that opens up to almost 2 in that can be used to make the dropouts parallel at the end.
So, there's nothing wrong with doing the nut on both sides then?
I would recommend a sleeve to protect the frame from thread damaging the paint in the dropout
Where do I buy this tool from, and can I do this on aluminium (a less ductile material)? Do I need to id this if I'm upgrading from 8 to 11 speed?
@RJ will this work doing the opposite? I want to squeeze a 130mm dropout to 120mm.
Try best plans for woodworkers. woodprix instructions.
Ok thanks for watching
I've seen this done before on RJs' channel. It's a good way to confirm alignment if you find that you're having handling problems with any bike. Although, this method of cold setting should only ever be attempted on steel frames. Years ago when I switched to modern wheels on old bikes I just spread the dropouts slightly while installing the axle until it just squeezed in. That seems to have worked out OK. After riding the bikes for a long while and removing the wheel again, it keeps the same distance between the dropouts without any more squeezing. Straightening the dropouts to keep them square to the axle can be done at that time. Easy does it is the key.☺
Great point
.
RJ The Bike Guy's videos have helped me on many, many, occasions on how to work on my fleet of steel frame bikes. Plus other bike how to's for general bike maintenance. He has the best bike channel on youtube.
+lobo241us yes he has a great manner and is straight to the point! Thanks for tuning in!
Ever heard of GCN?!?!?!
No-one on the Internet could give the answer to this except you. Thanks so much I love your channel
Much appreciated glad it was helpful to you
Yes, just like Scott, I can't wait to see the finished bike. It was quite moving to see that the first two comments were between two good bike pros. We're in the league of champions here. I must admit that I much prefer to see a fixie turned into a a ten speed than the other way around. Nice work as usual Andy. All the best, Ralph.
+musamor75 thanks Ralph, been working on this build today it's gone off to be sprayed feel it's going to be an excellent job but it may take a while. I'm also currently doing a Carrera Podium which is up next. Thanks for the support all the best Andy
Andy........would love to see a video of the complete bike after all the work you have put into it.
On a lighter note as an ex pat living in Canada I love it when you call a wrench a "SPANNER".
Keep the videos coming.
John from Canada.
I forget a lot of the audience is from across the water! Yes I am building up the folder ref the build of this bike, however I can see it taking a little longer than most of the builds due to it being sent off to be sprayed. Plenty more videos to come....Thanks for the support all the best Andy
i think in this case, the fact that there is no chainstay or brake bridge makes it a tiny bit easier. I have a 70s steel frame I fancy this on. It is currently 124mm. I may go to 127mm or 128mm to get a seven speed in there. maybe go to 130 later. I fancy using STIs more as i get older rather than DT shifters and this would enable you to do this.
I did a Colnago Master Piu which I am sure had already been adjusted. The frame was a 1980’s which accepted an 11 speed block. Good luck with your build and thanks for watching. All the best Andy
In an earlier post, they asked if this can be done on chrome-moly frame. This IS a 'steel' but has low to medium carbon content & small amount of molybdenum. This results in thinner tubes, stiffer, stronger, & lighter. Your cold setting demonstration, the rear drop-outs seem to have spread easily. I am guessing that your frame is maybe just regular carbon steel. RJ The Bike Guy's video tutorial, he had to use more effort to spread the drop-outs so his frame was possibly the stiffer chrome moly steel.
It sounds like you know your metals greater than I. The frame I used for fairly old 🤔 thanks for watching
Hey shout out to you! worked like a champ! Was able to put a OCC Schwinn rear tire on a cranbrook cruiser frame! Excellent trick!
Glad it helped! Nice one buddy
That's cool, I just did that to my old KHS road bike. Only thing is, I can't get the wheel straight. It's slightly to the right.. I hope my local bike shop can make a small adjustment for me??
Oh dear 🤞 good luck
I stretched my 1985 Fuji Mt Fuji MTB from 125 to 160 using this method, and it recovered back to 125 when the tension was removed.
You generally have to go beyond the desired measurement requirement gradually it does spring back . Good luck
@@BikeItUK I wonder how much beyond since it was difficult to stretch this much and rebounded immediately. Eventually, I just located a NOS 125 mm rear wheel.
Hey Andy! I really enjoy your content! Your restorations are amazing, and along with these slow pace how to's I must say that you're probably my favorite bike guy on youtube, and I'm very excited to follow your progress
Thanks for sharing your passion with us.
/L
Thanks so much for the lovely comment and words of support, it means a lot! With out the support this wouldn't be happening so thank you. Working hard currently putting the website together with maintenance and the videos in order, plus Vintage catalogues data base for references, oh and also a book....watch this space thanks again Andy
Just what we were looking for in the csmper.
Glad it helps 👍
Hola excelente Información muy profesional gracias por enseñar esta Hermosa Técnica
Andrés de chile
Thanks glad it’s helped 👍
Hi. I am Marc from Barcelona. Great channel, congratulations. I have a question, after the modification made, what to take into account afterwards, I mean the transmission and pedal axle. I have a project in mind and your videos are inspiring. Thank you.
Hello and thanks for your support, regarding the axle I keep the same unless changing the position of the rear cog. Then I change to whatever keeps this most inline. I hope this helps thanks again
I was thinking of making a cheap fatbike and widening the dropouts on a steel MTB, I guess there'll be quite a bit of widening to do, if I heated up the frame with a gas torch do you think it would help, maybe stretch out 10mm then heat the rear frame up and allow to cool, then check the spacing to see if it's moved back or not and if not repeat the process until I get the width I want.
Thanks for watching...I’d love to say yes it will work but I’ve only ever done it on a road bike frame so far. If you have a cheap steel frame to have a go with then I’d say nothing to loose. Good luck
good morning very interesting, this method applies to mountaineers with rear suspension greetings
Thanks, I wouldn’t like to say. Only steel not aluminium. 👍🚲
Nice video. So in theory is it possible to reverse process?
I’m guessing so…I personally haven’t done it. Good luck
Given the rear wheel you used in adjusting the spacing, how will you mount the rear derailleur on that frame ?
Hi thanks for watching this was used in the build of the Fuji Track bike video. I did a single speed conversion 👍🚲
@@BikeItUK But why wouldn't you use a flip flop hub on a track wheel, though? They're already spaced at 120mm. The choice of frame to widen makes no sense whatsoever...
Nice detail Andy and very well done, hope to see more of this frame project, thanks for sharing
Cheers
Thanks buddy great seeing your Sting Ray! thanks for the support all the best! Andy
Hoping this works for spanning for a oc schwinn tire on a cranbrook 🤨 fingers crossed.
Good luck....thanks for watching
29mm each side ... lucky, there's no guarantee that both sides will have bent by the same amount.
You can take further measurements to check maybe 🤔 that’s worth another video. Thanks for watching
نشكركم على الترجمة بي اللغة العربية فنحن نشاهد فديوهاتكم كثيراونعتبرها مصدرا مهم للمعلومة ولاكن بسبب عائق اللغة لاتصلنا المعلومة كاملة ونتمنى ان تترجمو المزيد من الفيديوهات كي نستفيد من خبرتكم وشكرا أخوكم العربي
Gracias por compartir tu video aprendo mucho gracias a vos
Great video... can't wait to see the finished bike
Thanks for the support Scott, yes it should be some transformation. Im also currently working on a Carrera Podium which should turn out nice. Thanks again Andy
Thanks for making this video.. you saved my money👍
That’s great news happy it helped 👍
Thank you that was super helpful my friend gave me his bike but it was too tall
I’m glad you found it helpful 👍
Fab video, is there a follow up to the rest of the build?
Loving the channel btw :)
Thanks glad your enjoying it. The frame used in this video is for this build 👍 th-cam.com/video/RdUGMiqO8TE/w-d-xo.html thanks for your support all the best Andy
Hi! I love this video. Can you make the same thing but the other way around? I mean, my bike's wheel axle is 12cm but the frame width is about 16cm. Many thanks. I'm Leonardo from Venezuela.
🤔 I’ll put it on the lists thanks for watching and the suggestion
@@BikeItUK Promise I'll follow your videos when be back home. Many thanks!
Nice video! Thanks for sharing. Question: is it possible to "shrink" the frame back to original size (120mm)? Will it compromise the frame's integrity?
Hi and firstly thanks for tuning in and watching. To be honest I haven’t taken a frame completely back to its original setting. I have over stretched and then brought the forks back in and it has worked fine. What I would say is that it must cause some stress and if this process was repeated many times on the same frame it may cause a weakness point.Thanks again Andy
What about the otherway round... like going from 120mm to 110mm would that work?
need some help! i plan to do this to my frame and hopefully its as easy as this looks haha but looking ahead im wondering how ill be able to mount a derailleur on the dropouts. my frame has a similar dropout design. Any suggestions would help!!
The frame does require over stretching as it does spring back some. Just go gingerly small increments. Regarding the hanger, if needed this can also be realigned using a derailleur alignment tool. I hope this helps good luck
Nice , what if dropout been pressed inside n space may go go more shorter ?
Thanks for watching not sure I understand the question?
I have a quality Bob Jackson 531from 1985 frame /bike measured 126,3 mm to be exact.Would you recomend widen it to 130 mm
or is it to stiff ?
It can be done, just go little bit at a time I’d say. Good luck
SO helpful - thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Can I widen the front forks the same thanks john
Hi to be honest I’ve never tried so couldn’t say
what is the name of the tool for stretching frame?
How do you fit a 120mm track wheel on a 130mm road bike frame? do a video illustrating that
I might just do that,generally the reverse of what’s been shown. Thanks for watching
Hello can the frame be pushed in?
I have to fit a narrower hub can the frame be pushed in and make the hub spacing less?
Thanks for watching as long as it’s a steel frame then in theory yes this is possible. I hope this helps.
Can you use this same technique on the fork?
Thanks for watching, never tried it so couldnt comment
Hello if i may ask? My current rear space is 150 mm with hub install can i use a 135mm hub and just pushing it in?
As long as it’s just steel then this is possible I’d say 👍
I've just had to do this on a newly restored PX10 frame, basically because I was being cheap and not sourcing the correct wheels lol... Nerve racking 15 minutes that was lol.
LOL, funny thanks for sharing! I'm glad it turned out well for you. All the best Andy
Can you also bend the frame inwards? And will it still work, if you have those little tubes connecting the tubes of the rear triangle?
Yes on steel this will work👍 the only problem being is the distance you need to over compensate to adjust! All the best Andy
Can you go backwards by converting a 130mm bike wheel set to fit a 126 mm frame by changing freehub, or removing washers or spacers?
Should be ok good luck
There's a law of physics that says when you expand on only one side, both side will equally expand simultaneously.
Yes this is true thanks for watching 👍
Would u recommend using heat doing things on a steel frame? How does this hold up after doing? Thanks
Hi Heat wasn’t needed and I ride this bike 🚲 most days for my commute to work it’s been fine so far 😉👍🚲
Can I do this to my front forks? Or should I just buy a new wheelset
Thanks for watching! I personally have never tried it on a set of folks. If you can afford some new wheels probably a better safer option
Can this be done using a jack or a bench vise?
Possibly never tried 🤔
did any steel frame break during this or after use
Thanks for watching, no nothing broke
Hey, where did you get the frame? Did you buy it or you've just sanded an old frame? Thanks
+CHNGE hi thanks for tuning in, I'm currently restoring, changing my old track bike! It's a Fuji classic that was stripped and is now ready for spraying! 👍
How would you have remedied unequal distances between the fishing line and the down tube?
Thanks
Yes, would be nice to know.
I did this on my bike but pulled it apart using just my foot and arms and broke one arm it a 6061 alloy can it be fixed tig weld
Oh dear 😮 not recommended with alloy I hope you get the frame sorted. Good luck
Can I do this with aluminum alloy forks ?
No…please don’t try “steel only” 👍
Hello Andy! I have an aluminum frame and I think it is out of alignment, which method would you recommend to correct the problem??
I wouldn’t try correcting with aluminium. Your going to struggle I’m afraid. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful
Hi Andy, another cracking video! They have been super useful in helping me restore and old Peugeot Clubman. I was wondering, am I able to space the frame on this bike which has a Carbolite 103 frame? Thanks 😊
Hi thanks for watching and the support. As far as I am aware the carbolite should be fine. I have not done this on one so please do not hold me accountable. As far as I am aware they are of steel construction and not aluminium.
thnaks buddy....very helpful understanding
Thanks for your support glad you found the video helpful 👍🚲
I have a alloy frame, and i want to adjust its clearance from 120mm to 135mm, is it advisable or not?
No I wouldn’t advice it. Only steel really thanks for watching
Depends on the alloy.
Steel: no worries
Aluminium (Dural etc): likely to kink or crack.
Hi, thank you for this video. I’ve also watched RJs. Question, what size rod did you use, 10mm? I measured my rear drops and it’s very close to 10mm, so wasn’t sure if I should order 8 or 10mm. Cheers
I’d go with 8mm it’s on the side of safety and will achieve the same result. Good luck 👍🚲
I have a steel bike, but I want to increase the distance between the chain stays (to accommodate wider tires/rims) but keep the hub spacing the same. Any ideas in that regard? I'm guessing it might ruin the frame?
Possibly “RJ the bike guy” maybe worth asking regarding this question! He may already have a video on it. Just search in TH-cam for him. Sorry I didn’t have the answer all the best good luck and thanks for tuning in 👍🚲🚲
what is the limit? i am thinking of expanding my mountain bike from 135mm to 150mm
Hi this is possible I would increase in small increments keep checking the frame and please note this is only recommended with steel frames I hope this helps good luck 🚲
Love this channel
Thanks for the support 👍
can we done less space between frame through this method
Yes that shouldn't be a problem as long as its steel. Good luck and I hope this helps
Can this be done the other way? Reducing the width?
As long as it’s only steel that’s it’s being used on then yes this should be possible
hi, can you do this to a chromoly frame?
No only steel frames I’m afraid
What is mine too wide is 160mm (e bike)
Probably not recommended
I currently have an old frame which I am converting to a fixed gear, but the rear spacing is too wide! Is it ok to compress it to fit a single speed cog?
+Ciaran Kelly hi thanks for tuning in. If it’s steel it should work in the same manner. Make sure to do small increments at a time. 👍all the best Andy
Thanks for the video, have a mtn frame that needed to be spaced out, worked like a charm. Would have like to know about this doing a road frame going from an old ten speed to a 9 in the rear. At that time took the rear axle off and trimmed it and rebuilt the wheel
Is it possible for a 110mm be converted to a 130mm?
Thanks for watching as long as the frame is steel and not a high end frame such as Reynolds 753. Then yes this is possible. Good luck
@@BikeItUK thanks
Hello, honestly amazing idea about using a threaded rod. I believe its the ONLY one that keeps equal expanding to both fork ends. Other methods, with single towing each fork end separately, would definitely deform the fork asymmetrically and de-align the frame. Besides, by using the rod, you can determine the precise expansion you aim to try each time step by step.
Personally i m up to renew and update a British all steel-bike Phillips 26" 1 3/8 of 1967 !!!
The rear fork opening for the hub is now 105mm, although i want to install a - 3speed Shimano nexus Revo shifter Roller brake- having a hub with Over Locknut of 120mm!.
Do you believe i should try for a final expansion of 15 mm ?? Comparing to what you did, I guess I should give an expansion of about 55mm ! to finally have this 15mm left. What do you think?
Thanks for watching and the support. If you have the hub to had then little at a time keep checking the hub for fitting. You generally have to over expand to get the desired width. The forks spring back. So less is better and slow as you go. I hope this helps good luck enjoy 🚲
@@BikeItUK Thanks for replying, I m about to start tommorrow.
How can I do if I don't have the same size?
Good one Andy thanks for the video and tips, curious tho, are you going to make that frame into a multiple gear bike? Or it was just to show the tool use? I have had seen a similar at Mr. Il RJ's but to straighten the stays instead of one single threaded rod you use 2, that's when the stays are bent or just misaligned. Always a pleasure, cheers 🍻 . :)
+Nauj Aral Hi pal, hope you are keeping well. I am keeping this single speed and I've got a conversion for the rear cassette to make into a single speed. It will be a while off yet because of the spray job. I've got a Vintage Carrera Podium Road Bike up next regarding restorations. Thanks for the support pal 👍😉
BikeIt UK well an glad asked then, I've wondered fir a while if those road wheels csbe changed into a single gear, I made it before but wasn't with the cassette type it was the screw on so I re-dish ed the wheel, so I'll ask you how do you convert this type to single gear, not urgent, so whenever you got time, simple reason is: road wheels at much more often available in the used market here and cheaper than single or fixed wheels. Look forward to your next restore job/video, always enjoy them a lot.
Please let me know how you will convert that wheel to a fixed gear, I've always wondered if it was possible or not, I know it can be done on the older road bikes that you screw on the sprockets but on the cassette type I had no idea it can be done. Have a great weekend ;)
Hi pal, sorry its been a busy weekend already. It is going to be a while until the video goes live showing the conversion for this. Basically the kit comprises of two blanking sleeves the single cod and the locking ring. I hope that this explains it a little better. Hope your having a good one alway cheers pal
how about chromoly steel?
The steel will be ok the chrome may chip off I’d say 🤔
Nicely done
Rebuild of this frame coming soon! Watch this space! Thanks for the support 👍
Brilliant!😃
Thanks
Nice job :)
Thanks for posting
Thanks, only this morning finished the build on this bike 🚲 video coming soon 👍 all the best Andy
could you stretch Chrome Moly frame?
Not recommend no, thanks for watching
What are exactly the names and the sizes of the wheels please ??!
Super!
🙏
at is the mddle triangle inch space?
The middle part of the frame?? 🤔
no drop outs its for a fixe or hub gear
May i know it is work on alloy?
It won't. Only steel
Sorry for the late reply yes only steel
Is there as way to do this on aluminum frame bikes? I've a ligth weight 24 speed mountain bike that I want to install a bafang 1000w mid drive system on. I'm looking into reusing my 3 speed centre ring with the unit (or similar toothed rings rings: "42 / 32 / 22" outer to inner), but because of the way the motor is built, it adds a lot of push out offset to the centre chain line. I'll probably need to offset the rear cassette a similar amount to try to recentre to original settings..
Hello and thanks for watching, the problem with Aluminium Bicycle Frames they are very thin and prone to crease so I wouldn’t recommend it. I have only ever done this on a steel frame. All the best Andy
Get an offset front sprocket from Luna Cycle. El Segundo ,Califonia
how about from 130mm to 120?
🤔🚲That is quite a lot of distance....I wouldn’t like to say. Good luck
How do you do this with an aluminum bike
Thanks for watching unfortunately this method should only be attempted with Steel frames. Aluminium frames will crease. Hope this helps
Is there a solution for carbon frames ?
Sorry 😐 no a Carbon frame is extremely stiff DO NOT TRY THIS ON A CARBON FRAME thanks for watching Andy
Thank you mate !
can this method work on the front forks as well?
As long as its steel then yes. Thanks for watching
wow good method
Thanks for tuning in buddy! Im working hard on the Carrera, hope you are getting out often on the bike.
BikeIt UK okey, im weiting ;)
thats for hub gear
Is 122mm to 130mm possible?
Yes 👍 on a steel frame 8mm is possible. All the best Andy
But what about an aluminum frame?
Definitely not recommended
dont ask for a spanner in germany
😂👍🚲
Just get a proper sized frame, I don’t recommend anybody doing this even on a trash frame.
@Benjamin D Minor This is a pretty standard technique for steel frames...no need to get a different frame when cold-setting is such an easy, straight forward technique for getting an older frame to work with modern wheels!