rear drop out queries ...

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the
1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

Not what you asked, but just FYI: this isn't always true. When I was
setting up my Bianchi fixie..
(http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg611a/bianchi.jpg)
....I wanted to set it up 48x17. It has 0.5" dropouts. Tried one chain
length and it was too long. Took out one link -- too short. It runs
fine on 48x18 and if I had a 19T cog, I'm sure that'd work with the
current chain length. My point is that some combinations just won't
work for a given chainstay length without a half-link-thingy.

Luckily, it turns out that running 48x18 lets me keep a 18 mph average
with my uncle on his plastic...err, carbon fiber bike, so I'll stick
with what works.

Quoted message said:

So, what's the query? Oh, yes - why are the dropouts different
lengths?!

no clue, sorry.

ps. you don't want to buy a 17T 3/32" surly cog do you?

--
Paul M. Hobson
Georgia Institute of Technology
..:change the f to ph to reply:.

Quoted message said:

Hi

Just stripped my mid-80s frame of derailleur and shifter bits and am
looking at the rear dropouts.

Right hand side, where the hanger is, the dropout is only 1/2" long
whereas the other is twice that.

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the

1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

So, what's the query? Oh, yes - why are the dropouts different
lengths?!

ccr

On of those horizontal drops with the slot not completely punched out?
My guess is this was an option offered by the dropout manufacturer
making a stronger derailleurhanger. Made no difference for the left
side, so they never bothered to make two different versions for the
opposite side

--
---
Marten Gerritsen

INFOapestaartjeM-GINEERINGpuntNL
www.m-gineering.nl

In article <[email hidden]>, Paul Hobson

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the
1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

Not what you asked, but just FYI: this isn't always true. When I was
setting up my Bianchi fixie..
(http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg611a/bianchi.jpg)

Nice - with the front brake lever on the right too! Paul, for what
looks like a vintage frame, the finish looks immaculate; did you have
it painted? What's the name of the honey at left?

Quoted message said:

...I wanted to set it up 48x17. It has 0.5" dropouts. Tried one chain
length and it was too long. Took out one link -- too short. It runs
fine on 48x18 and if I had a 19T cog, I'm sure that'd work with the
current chain length. My point is that some combinations just won't
work for a given chainstay length without a half-link-thingy.

This is a pleasant surprise. Half-links are now available for 3/32"
(derailleur bike) chains, as well as those of the 1/8" size.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixed.html#chains

Luke

Luke said:

In article <[email hidden]>, Paul Hobson

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the
1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

Not what you asked, but just FYI: this isn't always true. When I was
setting up my Bianchi fixie..
(http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg611a/bianchi.jpg)

Nice - with the front brake lever on the right too! Paul, for what
looks like a vintage frame, the finish looks immaculate; did you have
it painted? What's the name of the honey at left?

Thanks! It's an '87 Bianchi Premio - Columbus tubing. I had it powder
coated locally. That's the Lollipop Blue color. It's nice because due
to the imperfect nature of powder coating (thicker/thinner in some
places) the hues change a little based on your POV. And that's the
Honorable Princes Leia in the Jaba's Sandbarge Bikini. It's my
roommate's >cough< >cough< life-sized cutout of her. I'm pretty sure
she still has a crush on me though.

not sure how long this will still be around. But here's what I started
with:

<http://i14.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/bd/85/89_1.JPG>

It had a lot more rust than described, but it was all quite shallow.
One sweep of the file and you'd see good steel again. I dremeled/filed
off the der. hanger and cable stops and now the first pic is what I
have. I'm sending back the saddle though. It's just too narrow. It's
fairly comfortable going to/from class, but any longer than that and
pressure builds up in places that make me nervous as a healthy,
lower-20's male with an attractive girlfriend, etc...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

...I wanted to set it up 48x17. It has 0.5" dropouts. Tried one chain
length and it was too long. Took out one link -- too short. It runs
fine on 48x18 and if I had a 19T cog, I'm sure that'd work with the
current chain length. My point is that some combinations just won't
work for a given chainstay length without a half-link-thingy.

This is a pleasant surprise. Half-links are now available for 3/32"
(derailleur bike) chains, as well as those of the 1/8" size.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixed.html#chains

SWEET!!! Maybe I'll keep that 17T after all!

--
Paul M. Hobson
Georgia Institute of Technology
..:change the f to ph to reply:.

Paul Hobson said:

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the
1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

Not what you asked, but just FYI: this isn't always true. When I was
setting up my Bianchi fixie..
(http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg611a/bianchi.jpg)
...I wanted to set it up 48x17. It has 0.5" dropouts. Tried one chain
length and it was too long. Took out one link -- too short. It runs
fine on 48x18 and if I had a 19T cog, I'm sure that'd work with the
current chain length. My point is that some combinations just won't
work for a given chainstay length without a half-link-thingy.

Have just discovered I'm in the same boat as you were. The 1/2" dropout
isn't actually alot to play with. Like you, adding a link, wheel right
back, still floppy as hell. Removing a link, wheel right to the front,
chain binds. What a pain. I was quite surprised.

As I said at the start of the thread, other side drop out is 1", so I
suppose could enlarge the smaller one - was going to file it - any
better way/is this a bad idea? Or get a half-link if I can find a
London source - Condor don't and I thought they would if anyone would.
Mail order (sjscycles.co.uk) if I really have to.

Palaver is the word! But educational :-)

ccr

Quoted message said:

So, what's the query? Oh, yes - why are the dropouts different
lengths?!

ccr

Oddly enough, I just picked up a mid/late-'80's Schwinn LeTour frame
that has dropouts like you describe. I'd guess the right dropout is
filled in to locate the rear axle more precisely relative to the
derailleur hanger while still allowing some play in the axle to allow
for rear wheel alignment. This may have been a reaction to the more
stringent alignment requirements of indexed shifting without requiring
the precise location of vertical dropouts.

FWIW: I'm going to file the right dropout if it doesn't allow chain
tension adjustment- mine's going to be a three-speed with a Sturmey
Archer hub.

Jeff

cccrider said:

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the

1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

Sure, no problem.

Quoted message said:

So, what's the query? Oh, yes - why are the dropouts different
lengths?!

No clue.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not
_`\(,_ | certain, and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to
(_)/ (_) | reality. -- Albert Einstein

Quoted message said:

Hi

Just stripped my mid-80s frame of derailleur and shifter bits and am
looking at the rear dropouts.

Right hand side, where the hanger is, the dropout is only 1/2" long
whereas the other is twice that.

Quoted message said:

From what I read at http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html, the

1/2" that the drop outs have in common is enough to correct the chain
tension if I keep both sprockets sensibly close (adding/removing a
chain link - move axle 1/2", 1/8" axle adjustment per tooth).

So, what's the query? Oh, yes - why are the dropouts different
lengths?!

ccr

The only time I have seen this is on a repaired frame.