Cold Setting Chromed frames

[Testure]

Hi Everyone

I've finally joined after lurking for some time reminiscing over all these wonderful bikes posted.

I recently got back into road cycling last year, and started using my Celo Europa SLX from late 80s. I also have a 1991 Tommasini Super prestige which I'm trying to decide if I should get cold set and completely rebuilt around modern 11 speed. Or better to leave alone, and get a modern bike.

What worries me is when stretching, is there a good chance the chrome will start to 'ripple' or flake?

It's currently built around 7speed 600 Ultegra, so will the jump to 11 speed require quite a bit of stretching and a compromise with geometry? I'm also not the lightest of riders, will a cold set frame strength be reduced?

Also I assume if I do decide to sell, the value will be affected by the cold setting.

Thanks in advance

Sorry Just realised I have posted in the wrong section!! Mods please can you move , cheers

 

[latman]

7 speed was 126 mm and after that was 130 mm ,thats only 2 mm per side and a steel will fit 130mm easy without any cold setting (bending )

 

[Testure]

Thanks for the feedback. Reading a number of articles which implied it would put a lot of stress on the hub axels, made me assume cold setting was a must.

 

[latman]

that would refer to the "squareness" of the dropouts (at 130mm OLD ) , again i would be sure the quick release skewers would easily pull everything "square"

 

[rikcougar]

I have fitted 10 speed Mavic wheels into my 1980`s steel frame and I was amazed how little effort was needed to spread the dropouts

I have checked mine with the quick releases tight (not overly, just enough to stop wheel moving) and dropouts are parallel

decent steel frames are quite springy so you shouldn`t have any problems

You will know exactly what I mean when you try it!

 

[bedraggled]

I wouldn't go down the cold setting route, I think it's just a euphemism for irreparably damaging.
I've been running my 80's frameset with 10 speed all summer.
Any excuse to show a photo