Note: the following is intended as a general guide only. We are unable to offer advice on specific projects. 

We certainly would appreciate your feedback or practical advice on this style of project - this can be  added as a review in the "Add Your Review" section at the top of this page.

For an “old racer” originally built around 27" × 1¼" (32-630) wheels, the most common rear dropout spacing (OLD—over-locknut dimension) found in Australia is 126 mm.

That is the usual setup for 6 to 7-speed freewheel road bikes from roughly the 1960s–70s.

However, wheel size does not determine hub spacing, so measure the inside distance between the rear dropout faces before ordering a hub or wheel.

Typical rear OLD widths

What to measure

Remove the rear wheel and measure the inside-to-inside distance of the dropouts, where the hub locknuts sit:

• Around 120 mm → 120 mm rear hubs are no longer available - see 5 speed guide below.
• Around 126 mm → choose 126 mm, generally for a 6-speed setup.
• Around 130 mm → modern road spacing; cassette-wheel options are much broader.

Measure the hub’s locknut-to-locknut width, not the axle’s overall threaded length.

Important distinction

27 × 1¼ is the traditional name for wheels that have an International Standards Size (ETRTO)of 32-630: its rim bead-seat diameter is 630 mm x 32mm width.

It is larger in rim diameter than 700C ( ERTRO 622mm)  by 8 mm, so 27-inch tyres and 700C tyres do not fit the same rim.

Practical Restoration Notes

If it is a typical steel-frame Australian/Japanese/European “12-speed” racer with a 6-speed cluster, assume 126 mm ....until measured.

If you want to run a modern 130 mm cassette hub, a steel rear triangle can often be cold-set from 120 mm to 130 mm—but that is a frame modification, and alignment should be checked afterward.

For keeping an original-style restoration simple, build around a 126 mm threaded/freewheel hub and a 27 x 1 1/4" rim.

5 Speed - 120mm Hub?

A standard threaded 5-speed freewheel will normally screw straight onto a modern 126 mm OLD threaded freewheel hub. 

The issue is not the thread fit—it is setting up the unused width so the axle, chainline, and wheel dish are sensible.

Why it works

A 126 mm rear hub was commonly intended for a 6- or 7-speed freewheel, while traditional 5-speed freewheel systems were generally paired with 120 mm spacing. 

So a five-speed cluster will fit physically, but it is roughly 5–6 mm narrower than the freewheel the 126 mm hub may have been designed around.

Some ways to set it up

For a durable restoration the last option is favoured: put the additional width largely on the non-drive side, ensure the right locknut is positioned so the dropout bears against it properly, then re-dish the wheel to centre the rim in the frame.

Shifter compatibility

If you are using friction shifting, this is straightforward. With indexed shifting, you need a shifter made for the same sprocket pitch as the freewheel.

IMPORTANT

We have a wide range of 27 x 1 1/4" wheels available to be built. But it is vital that the hub width of the new wheel matches your project bike hub width. 

We offer 110mm coaster hubs, 117mm Sturmey Archer, 120-130mm Flip/Flop, the "standard 126mm" screw on hubs and 130mm and 135mm cassette options.

For more detailed information on bike restoration a great starting point is Sheldon Brown.