I've been trying to decide which of the 2012 project frames gets the Nexus 8 Speed Hub wheelset. It's a nice set, with double wall rims and 36 stainless spokes in each wheel.
On one hand, I think the Sportour would be the best fit modelwise since the hub is really more of a functional commuter style set, and the frame is more of a relaxed/touring frame, but it's a 63cm and is probably too big for me. I'd like to put the wheelset on a bike I'm actually going to ride for a while.
The Italvega is getting its original Campy Nuovo Record jewelry back, so the Nexus wheelset is out.
The Trek has vertical dropouts, and I'd rather not deal with getting the chain tensioned properly.
That leaves the Gran Sprint. It's more of a race geometry bike with really light triple butted tubing, but it's steel, still strong, and fits me. I suppose putting a heavy nexus hub on the bike is somewhat of a waste of the lightweight frameset, and the frame clearances are relatively tight, so my tire sizes will be limited, especially if I were to try and put fenders on.
The Univega's dropout spacing is narrower than the Nexus hub is designed for. However, it may not be an issue. When I placed these washers on the outside of the dropout, it seems to end up with a perfect fit. I'll be researching what the potential risks of this setup are, but assuming it's safe, this seems like a nice way to install the hub without having to cold set the rear dropout spacing.
On the other hand, it might be kind of nice to have a rack and functional IGH wheelset on a bike that still feels lively and responsive to ride. It's like the 90's Honda question: Fast car slow? Slow car fast?
Anyways, I mocked up the bike today, here are the pics.
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