130 spacing ok?

hwttdz

I'm looking at getting a first track frame but a frame that I really like is labeled as a triathalon frame, so it has 130mm frame spacing but it does have the horizontal dropouts. Is it possible to use this frame with standard track wheels i.e. those that say they have 120mm spacing.

gclark8

Try this one, it may be better: http://www.feltracing.com/05_frames/2005_tk2_frame.html

__________________
Cheers,
George.

hwttdz

Truthfully I'm not interested in looking for other frames right now, I have a number of reasons for liking this frame including that it can definitely be used for time trial racing on the road if I decide track isn't all that great. Thanks though.

Velo Steve

You really limit yourself if the frame must stay at 130mm. You might be able to mount the wheel, but it will be a pain and things may not align correctly.

You can modify a track wheel with a longer axle, but of course you won't be able to swap wheels with other trackies.

If it's steel a good shop can bend it down to 120mm and realign the dropouts. Aluminum and titanium, maybe. Carbon, no. The steel frame would tolerate being spaced back to 130 for road use (once or twice, not weekly). I wouldn't try it with anything else due to fatigue issues.

One option would be a cheap used track frame, to be replaced with something nicer if you find you like the track. Old track frames can be quite good, and may be cheaper than replacing axles or paying someone to modify a frame.

10timesbetter

surly makes a 130 track hub, or 135, but you could space that back down to 130 with smaller nuts, I have one in my room somewhere(only with freewheel threads), so I can verify that it wouldn't be that hard to space it to 130,

rickt

You may also need to look into the legallity of using a frame with road/vertical fork ends/drop outs. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that there may be UCI regs regarding this.

They certainly try to limit variations in frame building.

As for the frame spacing, depending on the alignment of the chainring to the rear cog, it is very likely that you'll only need to add 5mm spacers to each side of a 120mm hub to achieve a good fit.