A few years back I pick up a fixed gear from one of my shopmates for a cool $200. It is an amazing 1985 schwinn paramount, made from columbus slx tubing painted in the world champs paint scheme with matching lugs and steel fork. This bike rides like a dream, but I have little use for a fixed gear these days since I do really ride to train anymore. I would, however, love to throw a nice group on it and make it one of my everyday bikes. The question is, will the spacing work for campy 10 speed? I have considered sending it to have the rear end stretched (it "needs" a new paint job anyway) but I would rather skip that entire step with the warm weather approaching fast (I think). Will the spacing match, or will it be close enough that I can slip in the wheel.

I will post pics later.

Your rear triangle is most likely 126mm. As you are aware, today's spacing is 130. If you are lucky things can fit only by strong arming the frame open to accept the axle.

Most likely though, you may have problems with the bottom (small) cassette cog or the chain while on the bottom cassette rubbing against the frame. If this is the case, you need to cold set the rear triangle. Most shops can handle this.

Other than that, you should be good to go with most any component. If you want to replace your headset, yours is a 1 inch headset, they are still around, no problem.

Other than the costs of going modern along with a paint job being more than a new bike with current equiptment, sounds like you have a good plan.

One other option is to find a complete bike with a group that you like. Stip the parts off and resale the disgarded frame. I have bought several bikes for this purpose and have done quite well, sometimes getting most of my money back.

Have fun and post pics.

As I had figured and discussed with people before, that last thing I want to do is strong arm anything. I am not concerned with costs, as I can just order and groupset on Employee purchase (thought it opens the debate of whether a modern, carbon covered campy group is right for this bike). I have replaced everything but the origional crank and seat post that were on this bike when I got it, and I love it but I don't find riding a fixie for the sake of riding a fixie to be fun.

Pictures to come later.

Thanks for your help

Most likely though, you may have problems with the bottom (small) cassette cog or the chain while on the bottom cassette rubbing against the frame. If this is the case, you need to cold set the rear triangle. Most shops can handle this.
What is the shop going to do different? Spread the stays and then bend the drop outs back in? - TF

A few years back I pick up a fixed gear from one of my shopmates for a cool $200. It is an amazing 1985 schwinn paramount, made from columbus slx tubing painted in the world champs paint scheme with matching lugs and steel fork. This bike rides like a dream, but I have little use for a fixed gear these days since I do really ride to train anymore. I would, however, love to throw a nice group on it and make it one of my everyday bikes. The question is, will the spacing work for campy 10 speed? I have considered sending it to have the rear end stretched (it "needs" a new paint job anyway) but I would rather skip that entire step with the warm weather approaching fast (I think). Will the spacing match, or will it be close enough that I can slip in the wheel.

I will post pics later.

There's usually no problem at all using 10-speed on a 126mm steel frame. I've done it on both a steel Torelli and a steel Trek, with no problems at all. I've heard of many other people doing the same thing. It's not really strong-arming - just put the thing in.

I have a 1984 Ciocc SLX with 126mm spacing built up with 10-speed Chorus. It works flawlessly. The rear wheel doesn't slip right in, but it's not difficult at all. About the only real practical effect of my set up is an inability to do a 30-second wheel change, but I'm not racing anymore anyway.

I'd rather do this than cold set it at 130mm since to get to 130mm, they have to actually go wider to get permanent deformation of the steel. This poses a small risk to the brake bridge during the cold set.

BTW, build up that Paramount. That's something special. If you don't and it's a 56 c-t, drop me a line.

Here she is (along with her younger sister, and my unkempt room) in all her glory. These are some shots I quickly snapped on my way out the door this morning so they don't look that sharp, but you get the idea. Enjoy

In my experience I've found that fitting a 130mm wheel in a 126mm spaced frame works most of the time but not all the time. Some drivetrains are more finicky when it comes to dropouts being parrallel, and that's the issue with putting a wider wheel in the frame. I think it has to do with the overall frame geometry. I'd try it and see. If you have issues then just have the frame cold set at your LBS. I'd build that puppy up with whatever you want and can afford and ride it! Doesn't look like it needs a paint job at all and cold setting won't hurt the paint.

Sweet fixie- I would be tempted to just ride it as-is. Great for getting some leg speed back after the winter lay-off. I always find I have one leg doing squares and the other doing triangles, the fixie brings some semblance of circles back.

In my experience I've found that fitting a 130mm wheel in a 126mm spaced frame works most of the time but not all the time. Some drivetrains are more finicky when it comes to dropouts being parrallel, and that's the issue with putting a wider wheel in the frame. I think it has to do with the overall frame geometry. I'd try it and see. If you have issues then just have the frame cold set at your LBS. I'd build that puppy up with whatever you want and can afford and ride it! Doesn't look like it needs a paint job at all and cold setting won't hurt the paint.


Ok, it does really NEED the paint job, its not about to fall apart. However, the clearcoat on most of the rear triangle has cracked, turning the white areas a suttle sandy brown. Also, the frame is cover in sponsor stickers from its first (of three) owners, which when removed take big clearcoat and paint chunks with it. I just want to keep it in perfect condition.

They formerly were part of Schwinn and built many Paramounts (including my '90 OS). I also had the rear on my spread to fit the modern spec and they did a perfect job on it. When I was going through the process and called them they indicated they needed to see the bike. It was not recommended on all bikes as different tubesets and construction methods were involved. In any case, for a not a lot of money (I think it was around $400 bucks back in 2000) they spread the read check the alignment on the table, and gave me a new paint job. In fact they guy that originally built my bike spread the rear. The paint was amazing Candy Red.

Warren