Rear dropout going to be a long-term problem?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Frank121
I have Gios Evolution all-steel frame with the fixed steel
horizontal dropouts. It has never been built up, and with
too many bikes I sold it to a fellow who would build it
and ride it.

When he came to pick it up and put it on a roof mounted bike
carrier, the rear wheel on the drive side would not go in,
but the non-drive side would. After looking at it, it was
evident the rear right dropout was just a bit smaller than
other at the front end of the dropout.

I took a open-end wrench, put the handle between the
dropout, and with one application of force on the wrench
the dropout now accepts the rear wheel with no problem. It
also looks to be the same distance the length of both
dropouts now.

My questions are:

(1) What is the possibility this adjustment will weaken the
chromed dropout and cause problems down the road with
this drive dropout from the small (maybe 1mm)
adjustment?

(2) Is this something that others have experienced maybe by
the dropout closing a bit when shipped or something?

(3) Is there a better way to fix a problem like this in the
future should it occur again?

Thanks,

Frank

1. Chrome might crack, but I think it should be OK
2. I haven't experienced it with any of mine, but I expeienced it on a roughly handled 1 X 1 Surly.
3. We fixed it the same way you did, but no Chrome involved.
That bicycle is ridden daily by a 250+ lb. man without any problems.

frank121 said:

I have Gios Evolution all-steel frame with the fixed steel
horizontal dropouts. ...the rear right dropout was just a
bit smaller than other at the front end of the dropout.

I took a open-end wrench, put the handle between the
dropout, and with one application of force on the wrench
the dropout now accepts the rear wheel with no problem. It
also looks to be the same distance the length of both
dropouts now.

I did that a year ago on my late 80's Bianchi steel frame. I
have ridden that bike for hundreds of miles (wild guess:
1000 mi) since then with no problem. I don't expect it to
ever be a problem.

Another data point: bike shops have dropout alignment tools.
I'm sure they occasionally have to bend those dropouts to
get them in alignment.

I'd be surprised if your Gios ever has a problem that was
caused by your little operation. If you're looking for more
assurance next time, take it to the LBS and see what they'll
do about it.

--
Dave dvt at psu dot edu