Stay spacing for 6-speed freewheel

[sammich]

I have an older frame with an ultra-6 freewheel.  When the rear wheel is removed the stays measure 122.78 (hub is a 120 for the ultra-6).  I can cold bend it out to 126, I'm sure, but do I need to if I just put a regular 6-speed freewheel on?  I'm not sure how tight that would be as far as the chain scraping the frame.  has anybody tried it?  Has anybody bent a 120 out to 126 or 130 without problems?

[GeorgeET]

(09-11-2016, 04:21 PM)sammich Wrote:  I have an older frame with an ultra-6 freewheel. When the rear wheel is removed the stays measure 122.78 (hub is a 120 for the ultra-6). I can cold bend it out to 126, I'm sure, but do I need to if I just put a regular 6-speed freewheel on? I'm not sure how tight that would be as far as the chain scraping the frame. has anybody tried it? Has anybody bent a 120 out to 126 or 130 without problems?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If its a steel frame you can stretch it to 126 no problem, 130 maybe. Stick with 126 set up IMO.

[DaveM]

(09-11-2016, 04:21 PM)sammich Wrote:  I have an older frame with an ultra-6 freewheel.  When the rear wheel is removed the stays measure 122.78 (hub is a 120 for the ultra-6).  I can cold bend it out to 126, I'm sure, but do I need to if I just put a regular 6-speed freewheel on?  I'm not sure how tight that would be as far as the chain scraping the frame.  has anybody tried it?  Has anybody bent a 120 out to 126 or 130 without problems?

Well, technically the frame spacing is set to match the hub, not the freewheel. If you're using the same hub, the first question is will the new freewheel/chain rub inside the frame. It depends on how much gap there is there now and the relative sizes of the old and new freewheels, so you may just need to try it.

If the new freewheel is too close, you'll have to add some spacers to the axle and spread the frame slightly. Alternately, you may be able to shift a spacer from the left side of the axle to the right side. Then you won't have to spread the frame but you would have to re-dish the wheel slightly. Sounds like the frame is already 3mm wider than the hub anyway, so adding a slim spacer is going to be no big issue. A steel frame can be spread a few mm without an issue.

[sammich]

Yep, sounds like I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill. Probably just put a 5-speed on it (if they still make those), or a spacer and regular 6-speed (again, if they still make those!). I think the axle is long enough to handle an additional spacer. It's a great frame, and really comfortable to ride. I don't want to throw it out just because of obsolete / worn out parts. Everything is so different now that I don't know how easy it will be to get parts to fit now or in the future, though. (And I'm not willing to go the overpriced NOS / "vintage" route on E-bay, either)
Thanks for the comments