I am out of my depth - 1980 Raleigh Wheels

[Decaf]

Hi there,

I bought my first bike the other week. A 1980 Raleigh Pulsar. I was hoping someone might know what the measurement for the back wheel was originally supposed to be?

The reason I ask is because my LBS have fitted a pair of Shimano R500 wheels with a 7 speed cassette, replacing the 5 speed freewheel. I am experiencing some chain rub and would like to check whether that back frame was widened to accommodate the new wheel.

Was 126 mm the standard?

Cheers.

[RobC]

If it was a 5 speed, chances are it was only 120mm. I have a 120mm frame, but running with a 6 speed freewheel, that I keep meaning to get cold set to 126 or even 130. At the moment I have to spring the forks open each time I change the wheel, which is getting annoying...

Anyway as ever, Sheldon holds the answers: http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

[Decaf]

Thank you for the reply and great link.

The bike shop has put a Shimano R500 and 7 gear cassette on, but said they did it without stretch the frame. I don't see how that is possible - considering the rear raleigh drops were originally 120mm.

Once again thanks for your help. I will give them a call.

[LollyKat]

It might have been 126mm - why not take the back wheel out and them measure the dropouts?

[recordacefromnew]

Even if it was 126mm, the R500, which is 130mm no matter what cassette is on, would not have just dropped in.

If yours look like this, I agree chance is it was 120mm.

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... l84_07.jpg

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... l84_09.jpg

[mattsccm]

Stretch might not equal flex.
Of course there is not guarantee that it was original when you got it.