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Front Wheel Flex

by MT63
Fri, Aug 05, 2016 07:34
7

I bought my Light Blue Darwin a few weeks ago and while I really like it I have noticed an increased rubbing sound from the front wheel. I finally traced it down that if I freewheel and lean the bike to the left it is fine. If I lean the bike to the right I get a continuous heavy rubbing. When I took it back to book it in for the 6 week check up I let the guy in the bike shop try it and he came back and said he thought it had some serious front wheel flex;  the other person said there isn't a lot we can do about that. Considering it's a bike meant to be loaded up and ridden for miles I am a bit concerned. Any thoughts? What should I insist on when I take the bike in for the check up?

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7 comments

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drjohn | 8 years ago
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Could be: a wheel bearing that needs replacing. Bearings can last for a long time but when they go, they wear out very quickly. This might be a duffer. The LBS guy might be saying that because it is a wear item it isn't a thing they would normally replace at the 6 weeks service or fix under warranty.

I would strongly disagree. Ask them to try test riding it with another front wheel and if is doesn't rub then, there's your answer.

 

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Griff500 replied to drjohn | 8 years ago
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drjohn wrote:

Could be: a wheel bearing that needs replacing. Bearings can last for a long time but when they go, they wear out very quickly. This might be a duffer. The LBS guy might be saying that because it is a wear item it isn't a thing they would normally replace at the 6 weeks service or fix under warranty.

I would strongly disagree. Ask them to try test riding it with another front wheel and if is doesn't rub then, there's your answer.

 

Not true. Poor spoke tension would also disappear if they swapped the front wheel.

Bottom line is any bike shop should be able to diagnose such a straightforward problem. And no bike shop should say "there's nothing we can do" just because the problem is not warranty related. If there is a non warranty problem with the bike, I would expect it to be highlighted, and a quote to be provided.

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drjohn replied to Griff500 | 8 years ago
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Griff500 wrote:

drjohn wrote:

Could be: a wheel bearing that needs replacing. Bearings can last for a long time but when they go, they wear out very quickly. This might be a duffer. The LBS guy might be saying that because it is a wear item it isn't a thing they would normally replace at the 6 weeks service or fix under warranty.

I would strongly disagree. Ask them to try test riding it with another front wheel and if is doesn't rub then, there's your answer.

 

Not true. Poor spoke tension would also disappear if they swapped the front wheel.

Bottom line is any bike shop should be able to diagnose such a straightforward problem. And no bike shop should say "there's nothing we can do" just because the problem is not warranty related. If there is a non warranty problem with the bike, I would expect it to be highlighted, and a quote to be provided.

I agree. I meant that a test with another wheel would tell you if all the wheels on this model are just as flexy, which is the only truly valid reason for saying "nothing we can do", or if the wheel can simply be swapped for a new one.

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Griff500 | 8 years ago
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Yes some good answers above , but either way, the LBS is guilty! If it is a matter of incorrect wheel fit, why did they not check the wheel release before diagnosing flex. If it is wheel flex, why can they not figure out for themselves how to check spoke tension. Frankly, the "not much we can do" response on a bike costing 4 figures, js just not good enough. 

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roomservicetaco | 8 years ago
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Good answers above.

I'd guess that it's most likely that the wheel is not situated in the dropouts correctly or else the hub is damaged/misaligned.

Could also check the headset adjustment, though that would likely make it rub on both sides equally.

Good idea to pluck the spokes, as per VeloUSA, to check spoke tension, though typically if spoke tension is far off on front wheel, you'd notice it in the bike handling.

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VeloUSA | 8 years ago
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It puzzles me why the LBS mechs couldn't perform a simple troubleshoot to determine the flex problem. Here's what needs to be done:

1. The QR should be tightened to where the lever leaves an impression on your palm.

2. Grab the top of the wheel and see if it moves side to side. If it does move this implies a bad hub and/or a hub bearings incorrectly adjusted. (see 4)

3. Check for loose spokes. Hand pluck each spoke starting with the left side. Notes/sound should be the same. Then do the right side. (see 5)

4. A new bike that is 6 weeks old is under warranty. If the wheel does move side to side have the LBS contact Light Blue for a replacement wheel. It doesn't appear the LBS mechs ability/experience could handle hub adjustments.

5. If spoke tension is off have the LBS retension the entire wheel. First speak with the owner and/or service manager and explain nothing was done during your previous visit and that you wish the problem corrected.

 

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DaveE128 | 8 years ago
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I'd ask them to check the spoke tension. In fact, you can get a feel for this by plucking spokes and listen to the pitch. Low tension (could cause flex) would make a lower note - compare to the other wheel and other bikes with the same number of spokes.

Another possibility is that the front QR isn't seated/tightened quite right - undo it, and do it back up properly. (plenty of videos showing how to do it properly online, but apply downward pressure on the handlebars to ensure it's seated right when you do it up.)

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