I have a Kona Unit X that came with the rear tire so far forward that it only has a few millimeters of space between the tire and frame (see second photo). The nuts that mount the wheel to the frame have about half an inch of space that I could move them back but I'm wondering if that will cause problems with the chain length or issues with the disc brakes if I pull the wheel back all the way? I'm relatively inexperienced with bike repair and want to know if I will need to extend the length of the chain if I do this? I've never had a bike with hydraulic disc brakes before and don't understand how repositioning the wheel will affect this either? Do y'all have any tips for how to do this properly? Thanks!
by jferments
4 Comments
It will cause no issues, you shouldn’t need to adjust anything else. To be sure, after you move the wheel back to get some space and lock it back down just run through the gears. As long as it still shifts the same you are all good. Just make sure the wheel is straight in the dropouts as you clamp the bolts down.
I wonder if you should move the rear disc brakes caliper back to match the derailleur side? I just looked at the frame online and saw that both sides can be moved.
Those are adjustable dropouts, you can slide them back as much as you please without any issue. That small amount of movement isn’t going to bother your chain length, and the brake caliper will move along with the axle. Just adjust both sides evenly so that the tire is centred in the frame afterwards and you’ll be good.
Congrats on joining the Unit club, they’re awesome bikes!
Thanks to everyone for the quick, detailed responses! I’m feeling confident now about what I need to do, and just didn’t want to break anything 🙂