Mechanics and Fixing Any Questions Answered

Thank you @midlife @snottyotter and @M_V !

Great replies. I will try putting in the wheel in the other way round, or take off the tyres of a 700c wheel and hope that fits to check.

To M_V

If it has vertical dropouts I’m not understanding this bit “I have
tried holding the wheel and then tightening, but it just goes back to
it's off positon again.”. There should only be one position for the
wheel in a vertical dropout.

Well, it's just my inexperience with vertical dropouts showing - I am just used to horizontal ones. You are right, no way to change that.

I've just received this bike and found a few surprises, incl. incompatible short cage derailleur and front derailleur with triple crank. That wasn't in the deal. The pads on the Mafac centre pulls are all skew (guessing that can be adjusted), so only the corners touch the rims (both brakes and gears need to cables installed). I've never paid this much money for a bike before, so I am at least glad I could get my money back if I wanted.

It was meant as a light tourer, but now finding the chainstays are short (41cm). It's a beautiful bike. I am not that technically proficient, but if I get stuck I can ask my bike shop to check it out tomorrow.

Anyway, will try further with all your suggestions.