Jerry Moos said: I really don't see any reason to spread a frame for a 10-speed cassette just to get a lower gear.
For me, it isn't about getting a lower gear or about getting more gears, it is about the comfort of the brake hoods!! I find the latest Campagnolo Ergo and Shimano STI hoods just feel better than the older on-topic brake levers and hoods. The shifting from the brake levers is a convenience too, but that is not my primary reason for having modern equipment on more than half my lugged steel bikes. I do have a concern about the stress I'm putting on the 126 rear triangles by running 130 rear hubs without permanently spreading the dropouts. I'm still pondering that one, but this latest discussion has pretty much convinced me not to permanently reset the spacing. I know I'm stressing out my frame, but tough, if my frame wants me to ride it, it's just going to have to suffer. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL