Replace metric axle with imperial axel?

[Hamcob]

Hi,
I've an old Freddie Grubb which has 26" wheels, and i've now got a 700c single speed wheel set for the bike.
The old 26" wheels have 5/16" and 3/8" axles, the new 700c wheels have 9mm and 10mm axles wth normal loose bearings. Would i be able to get 5/16" and 3/8" axles to fit the wheels?
The only reason i'm asking is i dont want to file out the dropouts if possible.
Thanks
Jamie

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Presumably you have your brakes sorted, given the drops are going to be different.

The challenge with changing axles is getting the right cones, locknuts, dust seals with different threads that match the hub shells for the seals or dustcaps to be effective. Likely easier to file the dropouts.

 

[Hamcob]

Thanks for the reply, I'll get the file out then.
Cheers

 

[midlife]

File a flat each side of the axle so it slots in, like the old days ? You don't need all that thread lol

Shaun

 

[S.Giles]

File a flat each side of the axle so it slots in, like the old days ? You don't need all that thread lol

That seems like a good idea, but would it be better to file off the thread evenly all around the axle rather than creating two flats? The reason I say that is because with two flats, the cone is very likely to not be rotated (when the wheel is taken off the bike for any reason). That will concentrate cone wear in one of two positions. It occurs to me that it is better for the cone wear to be evenly (and randomly) distributed around the cone.

Just a thought!

 

[midlife]

The wheels spin so the position of the cone makes no difference, in any case the cones are locked into place by the but next to them . Have a google and you all see even the manufacturers made spindles with flats for narrower dropouts.

Shaun

 

[S.Giles]

The wheels spin so the position of the cone makes no difference, in any case the cones are locked into place by the but next to them . Have a google and you all see even the manufacturers made spindles with flats for narrower dropouts.

Shaun

Hi Shaun,

The wheels spin, but the cones don't. It seems that the lowest part of the cone (the part nearest the ground) would bear the weight of the bike and rider and therefore sustain the majority of the wear/damage.

BTW, I wasn't suggesting that there is anything wrong with your idea. (I'm analytical by nature! :-)

 

[midlife]

The pressure on the balls at the bottom forces them apart and since they are touching this is transmitted throughout the race, rather like newtons cradle.

The Newtonian mechanics aside it never seemed to make any difference bitd

Shaun

 

[S.Giles]

The pressure on the balls at the bottom forces them apart and since they are touching this is transmitted throughout the race, rather like newtons cradle.

That's interesting. Is there anywhere online that has further information?

Since the ball-bearings are spinning, doesn't this mean there is friction between them?

 

[midlife]

I try and not over think these things

Shaun

 

[S.Giles]

I try and not over think these things

I like 'over-thinking' things! :-)

 

[Hamcob]

Cheers for the comments, I filed the dropouts, turned out they were slightly bruised, filed bruising off and the axes slide in nice.
Just need repainting.
Thanks again