Widening Dropouts on Steel Frame

[mattwilkinson]

So I bought an old steel frame bike. And wanting to do it up into a SS.

The wheels it came with, Have a mallard hub/free-wheel. And I don't know if I can remove the freewheel without a tool, Then how would I get a SS cog onto it?

The frame has 125mm rear dropout spacing. And I have a spare 10 speed road bike wheel, with appropriate SS conversion kit.
Only problem is that is has a 130mm hub, and will not fit.

Is there any way to widen the chainstays on the frame? Would a bike shop do it?

Matt

[Stepr]

the LBS should be able to remove the old freehub and sell you a single speed freehub to go back on it. then there's no need to mess about re-spacing the rear, just need to sort out alignment with the front chainring.

[RonK]

Read Sheldon Brown on cold setting frame spacing.

[mattwilkinson]

Do you reckon I could fit a 120mm wheel in there?
Would it be loose or would it be fine?

[scratchman]

Do you reckon I could fit a 120mm wheel in there?
Would it be loose or would it be fine?

sure, a couple of washers will make up the difference

[mattwilkinson]

Well i managed to fit a wheel on..

10 speed road bike wheel, 2 people pulling and someone to seat the wheel.

Lets hope I don't get a flat

Next question, Are all brakes generic? The brakes that came on it went through the slot with a nut on the other side.

Are all brakes like this?