Axle too long for rear drop outs

[LeonardLeatherhead]

Hi people

I would like to say thank you firstly for all the advice you have given me so far. Slowly but surely I am building my bike up.

The next challenge is as follows and I'm sure there is a simple solution but I'm not the most knowledgeable about bikes and would be really grateful for some advice.

I hope I am not repeating other users queries!


I have an aluminium frame and I'm about to fit a flip flop hub wheel. However it would seem that the axle is quite long/wide for the rear drop outs. I don't want to damage/bend the frame at the drop outs by over tightening the nuts . Is it possible to add spacers on the inside of the drop outs or even use two sets of nuts to tighten up or would it be better to fit a shorter axle?

I hope I am making sense.

Many thanks

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let me clarify further. on the outer side of the drop outs (where the nuts tighten) there is the usual length of axle but more axle on the inner side.

Many thanks

[GeorgeET]

It sounds like you have wide rear frame dropouts and the hub and the locking cone nuts on wheel are for a narrower frame.
It is not recommended to mess with aluminum frame spacing. Either to widen or to narrow.

If I understand correctly you have space on the inside of the frame and the hub. You probably have a 130mm frame and a 126 mm wheel. Yes you need to add spacers on both sides on the inside so when you tighten the axle nuts they do not compress the frame. OR get the right size wheel.

Photo would be great as words get confused.

[nfmisso]

1+ to George's comments; but to be sure a picture is required.

McMaster Carr has M10 x 1mm thick stainless steel washers that make great spacers