On 8 Jun 2003 at 10:40, Greg Thies wrote:
> I would like to use a rear wheel that has a 126 mm axle on a steel
> frame that has 120 mm spacing. Is this advisable? Are there any
> long-term structural concerns? Thank you.
This topic has been discussed ad nauseum on rec.bicycles.tech and you could do a Google Groups search for the many, many articles; but the short answer is that a 120mm spaced steel frame can be cold formed (read bent) to accept a 126mm hub without serious consequences. Some will recommend having it done by a "professional" who would assure that the dropouts are symmetrically spaced and parallel after the repositioning operation.
jeverett3@earthlink.net (John V. Everett)