rear dropout saftey question

[roadmaster]

so to put the fenders on my 59 roadmaster, i had to move the wheel closer to the bb shell, hence taking about 1 to 2 links out, so the wheel will center correctly in the fender. now, everything works, but my rear wheel is at about the very first position you can hold in the dropouts, but does have good metal to metal contact. is that ok?

sorry no picts, but just imagine the wheel bolted down at the first spot of the (conventional) raer dropouts. will that weaken the frame around the dropouts? i put on some semi oversized washers between the axle nuts and the frame for more metal to metal coverage, thinkin it can't hurt. if this isnt safe or ok, i may be able to add one link and hope the wheel still centers in the fender or go from a 20t cog to a 19y cog, but im not lookin for a harder gear with a 48t chainring.

any advice or comments will help. thanks.

 

[deorman]

If you're clamping on 2 sides of the dropout, you're probably OK, I'd have to see it to lose the probably part. Stand on it a bit and see if it moves. :| I assume from what you have said, you are dealing w/front entry type.

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe use a spacer at the bottom/front fender mount,then move the wheel back til its centered in the fender.

Been there,done that.

 

[roadmaster]

yeah, my 215lb self rides just fine on it and ive riden it a few days to work with no problem. both sides of both dropouts do have good metal to metal contact, just. maybe tomorow i will try what magic rat suggests or add a link. im a little ocd about centering things and its good now. ugh :roll:

thanks guys.

 

[user 135]

as long as the axle sits fully in the dropout you will be fine. when you add a link it will only move it back a half of inch.

 

[roadmaster]

so last night, i decided to add a link and do what magic rat suggested, put a spacer between the front of the fender and the frame by the front of the tire, and man it sits in there better than ever. thinkin about it, i wasnt gonna mess up or possibly ruin a 50yr old bike frame by having that wheel in the "shady zone".

thanks for affirmating what i was kinda allready thinkin. you guys are the best!