I picked up an old Lotus Classigue from work ( I work at the LBS) and converted it into a single speed. Took it out for a ride today and had so much fun with it. I'm thinking I want to eventually build up a nicer fixed bike, but I'll start by upgrading this one peice by peice. First thing to go will be the brakes and levers....old Shimano 600 stuff doesn't stop that well and the levers leave a lot to be desired comfort wise. Next I would like to do wheels, but this frame is 126 spaced and eventually I would like to upgrade the frame to a fixed specific frame that would be 120 spaced. So, my question is is there any good way to use a 120 rear hub on my 126 spaced bike now so I can invest in some good wheels and still be able to use them when I upgrade my frame?

I was thinking that if the axles were long enough then maybe I could just add a 3mm locknut to each end so it fit the frame but I'm not sure what that would do to the chainline. If we had any track hubs at work I would just try it out but we don't. Anyone done this before? Just looking for some advice from those who have been down this road before.

I picked up an old Lotus Classigue from work ( I work at the LBS) and converted it into a single speed. Took it out for a ride today and had so much fun with it. I'm thinking I want to eventually build up a nicer fixed bike, but I'll start by upgrading this one peice by peice. First thing to go will be the brakes and levers....old Shimano 600 stuff doesn't stop that well and the levers leave a lot to be desired comfort wise. Next I would like to do wheels, but this frame is 126 spaced and eventually I would like to upgrade the frame to a fixed specific frame that would be 120 spaced. So, my question is is there any good way to use a 120 rear hub on my 126 spaced bike now so I can invest in some good wheels and still be able to use them when I upgrade my frame?

I was thinking that if the axles were long enough then maybe I could just add a 3mm locknut to each end so it fit the frame but I'm not sure what that would do to the chainline. If we had any track hubs at work I would just try it out but we don't. Anyone done this before? Just looking for some advice from those who have been down this road before.

I took my 130mm steel frame to 120 with no problem. Had to play with the chainline, but it worked.

TF

Just add the spacers and you should be fine.

It's fun, isn't it?

I use Dura Ace track hubs on one of my bikes. The bike is spaced for 126mm. I use a 3mm spacer on each side.. Works like a charm. The Dura Ace axle is long enough for up to 130mm without problems

Just add the spacers and you should be fine.

It's fun, isn't it?
Not so quick, big boy, if the old hub is a q/r a problem may arise with not enough support in the dropouts. The axle only sticks out of the nuts by about 5mm on the q/r hub, subtract 3 from that and that is not so good. Even if nothing drastic happens, it might still deform the dropout or flatten the threads on the axle, causing difficulty on the next hub rebuild. He actually , really wants a Phil flip flop 126 double fixed hub.
Yer pal

Thanks guys, that was what I was hoping to hear. Now I can start spending some money!!!

I did look at the Phil Wood hub that comes in 126, but since I eventually want to upgrade the frame to something that will be 120 spaced I don't want to invest in a nice hub like that only to not be able to use it once I get a new frame. I'm thinking I'll probably go with the Surly hubs for now, the ones that let you run a track cog on one side and a freewheel on the other. First come the brakes though!

It sure is fun, I don't know why but I had more fun riding around on the single speed then I ever do on my geared bike. It's just so simplistic.

I did look at the Phil Wood hub that comes in 126, but since I eventually want to upgrade the frame to something that will be 120 spaced I don't want to invest in a nice hub like that only to not be able to use it once I get a new frame. I'm thinking I'll probably go with the Surly hubs for now, the ones that let you run a track cog on one side and a freewheel on the other. First come the brakes though!


That the axles on the Phil Wood hubs can be swapped. They thread on to the hub body, so I can't imagine they wouldn't be replaceable.

If they are, you could replace the Phil Wood hub axles with different ones to fit the spacing on your new bike. Send the wheel in and they'd probably swap the axle. Not sure what they'd charge, but it shouldn't be too much. Or just buy the new axles and swap 'em yourself, or have your LBS do it.

Phil Wood has excelllent customer service. Email 'em and I'm sure they'd tell you if that's possible, or if I'm on crack.

-Trevor

I assumed that he was using a nutted track hub. It's dangerous to assume. And, yes, Phil Wood is God.

I assumed that he was using a nutted track hub. It's dangerous to assume. And, yes, Phil Wood is God.
Of course you have heard the assume rule assume = ass/u/me making an ass out of u & Mee.
CRR

though of course new end caps are not cheap at $38 a pair...did this recently myself when switching from a road to track frame and converted a 126mm hub to 120mm spacing, worked out fine. If you go this route the 120mm hub is considerably cheaper than a 126, so you could get a 120 hub and a set of 126 end caps for about the same price as a 126 hub....would also highly recommend getting the fixed/fixed hub, well worth the extra cost to be able to run two cogs....




That the axles on the Phil Wood hubs can be swapped. They thread on to the hub body, so I can't imagine they wouldn't be replaceable.

If they are, you could replace the Phil Wood hub axles with different ones to fit the spacing on your new bike. Send the wheel in and they'd probably swap the axle. Not sure what they'd charge, but it shouldn't be too much. Or just buy the new axles and swap 'em yourself, or have your LBS do it.

Phil Wood has excelllent customer service. Email 'em and I'm sure they'd tell you if that's possible, or if I'm on crack.

-Trevor