I just bought a circa 1984 Nishiki 49 cm lugged steel frame, as a build project over the winter for my son (11)
My question is whether or not I should re-space the dropouts for a 130mm hub, take it to the LBS and have it done, or leave it alone and hunt down a 126m wheelset. What is involved? :confused:

In many cases, you can just spread the stays enough to put the wheel in and ride the bike. Over time, the rear end will "spread itself" and you don't need to do anything. The risk in this approach is that your rear end will be off center when done, but you can correct that with a little body English, most likely. Just do it.

I have 2 Bianchis both measured 126mm in the rear. I simply squeezed the 130mm modern wheels into the drop outs without much effort. Keep in mind there's only a difference of 4 mm total (that works out to 2 mm per side).

I'm lucky that my bikes seem to have spread evenly the difference in the extra length. My bikes track beautifully and straight, I can ride no handed without problems. Don't worry about your rear derailleur lining up as this has not been an issue at all. I never missed a shift on my STI levers. I'm so glad I did this, its like adding new life to my bikes and they feel brand new again, try it and good luck!

unless it seems to be a problem, don't think you have a warranty to worry about. I wonder how much a shop charges for that? Depending on how they did it, they might charge more than you paid for the frame. I think I saw that Sheldon Brown's shop (Harris Cyclery) had some old 126 hubs about a month ago...

thats exactly what I did on my single speed project Schwinn. It only takes some swearing to get it in. On a bad day, maybe a bitten finger. But you will get it in. No reason to spend extra money.

I just bought a circa 1984 Nishiki 49 cm lugged steel frame, as a build project over the winter for my son (11)
My question is whether or not I should re-space the dropouts for a 130mm hub, take it to the LBS and have it done, or leave it alone and hunt down a 126m wheelset. What is involved? :confused:

Sheldon Brown has a piece on his website on DIY cold setting to respace a rear triangle - see http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
I'm working up the nerve to try on an old tange infinity frame that's spaced 126mm

I just bought a circa 1984 Nishiki 49 cm lugged steel frame, as a build project over the winter for my son (11)
My question is whether or not I should re-space the dropouts for a 130mm hub, take it to the LBS and have it done, or leave it alone and hunt down a 126m wheelset. What is involved? :confused:

Sheldon Brown has a piece on his website on DIY cold setting to respace a rear triangle - see http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
I'm working up the nerve to try on an old tange infinity frame that's spaced 126mm

Sheldon Brown has a piece on his website on DIY cold setting to respace a rear triangle - see http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
I'm working up the nerve to try on an old tange infinity frame that's spaced 126mm

I did it on a mid '80's Shogun frame. It was easier than I thought it would be. Be sure to take the time to measure after each "adjustment" with the 2X4. If you go too far on one side, you can always adjust it back a bit. Steel is pretty forgiving, so don't be afraid to manhandle it a bit.