Originally Posted by jnbrown

I just received my 1985 Mercian frameset.
I measured the rear dropouts and they are 126mm.
I would like to use a 130mm hub. The options as I understand it are:

1. Leave as is and just spread the dropouts when putting the wheel in. I tried spreading them and it does take a little bit of effort.

2. Spread them by hand by using a threaded rod, washers and nuts. This could risk damaging the frame.

3. Take it to a frame builder and have them do it.

Option 1 is preferred and I don't plan on taking off the wheel except for flats.
I know of two frame builders locally (SoCal) but not sure if they do this and how much they charge.

Thanks for any advise.