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50s fixed hubs are set at 110mm or there abouts.
Why do we try to convert measurements that were made in imperial into metric?
It can so often cause unnecessary grief, as in the case of my broken steerer (above).
Those old hubs were four and a quarter inches wide across the lock nuts, or 107.9 mm. So let's hear no more of 110 mm, because it's not accurate, which is very common with these conversions.
A really mad brexiteer might want to convert metric to imperial, but the result would be just as disastrous - the best thing is not to muddle the two systems!
However, the good news is - you don't really need to worry about the chainline (one and a half inches, by the way) because although the frame has been stretched out, as long as the hub remains central between the fork ends, it won't be affected. Just put sufficient spacers (on both sides, obvs.) so that the hub fits comfortably into the frame, and you should retain the 1.5" chain line. Of course, that's assuming you've still got the right length BB spindle.
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clubman
jeff80
Anyone have any experience/advice about re-spacing old track hubs?
I recently bought what is apparently an old 1958 JRJ road/track frame that has been resprayed by Bob Jackson at some time in the 80s. (judging by transfers etc). I recently built it up with a mish mash of parts old and new for Hard day in January last weekend and now I've decided I like the frame I plan to strip back the old decals, and either touch up or respray the frame long term and build it up with a selection of roughly period and new 'retro' style parts for use as a smart commuter/road fixed bike. I've already settled on TA cranks (although I may eventually change these to Stronglight 49d's) and modern, classic shaped bars as I want a shallower drop than I could find in old bars. These necessitate a 26mm clamp stem so I shall either track down an old Ambrosio/Fiamme stem from the later 50's/early 60s or failing that get something like this Velo Orange Grand Cru https://freshtripe.co.uk/velo-orange-grand-cru-quill-stem/. I intend to built it up with modern Dia Compe centre pulls with older levers (or possibly MAFAC racers or similar if I can stop them squealing all the time!)) and 700c wheels new rims on old double fixed hubs.
However-the rear of the frame is spaced at 120mm (or most likely was re-spaced when it was repainted and a gear hanger was added) and nearly all 50s fixed hubs are set at 110mm or there abouts. If anyone has any idea how to re-space these please share-as I'd really like to use a set of Harden/Airlite or Bayliss Wiley large flange double fixed for the build. I'm sure it must be doable I'm just unsure how to keep a good chainline etc. Thanks!,