Road Cycling - Saftey Question

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fubar5
06-27-02, 06:43 AM
Hey guys, I've got a question about my Bianchi.
It's fifteen years old, and has been heavily used. There is a little bit of rust on the top tube where some of the paint has chipped, but no other obvious problems. However, lately I have notice that when I'm riding it flexes ALOT. It's not just a minor twisting or anything, the tubes are almost like noodles. Am I riding a disaster waiting to happen?

green lion
06-27-02, 06:59 AM
Fubar5, you better check for a crack somewhere, metal fatigue exits but not in such extreme measures that the bike becomes spagetti, and I don't think the little rusty spot has anything to do with it.
Pat
06-27-02, 08:21 AM
I would see if I could find an experienced mechanic and let them ride and see what they think. But I don't like the sounds of this. I don't think I would ride a bike whose handling I did not trust.

WoodyUpstate
06-27-02, 11:26 AM
Maybe you need to back off on your training a little bit. Your legs are getting too strong.:)
velocipedio
06-27-02, 12:43 PM
Are you sure it's frame flex? Some other things to look for:

1. The crank bolts. Are the cranks firmly seated on the BB spindle, or are they a little loose? If they're loose, tighten the bolt.

2. The chainrings: Are the chainring bolts tight? Sometimes, the rings get a little loose and that can feel like flex.

3. The chain: Is the chain in good shape? It may be old, worn and stretched. If the sideplates of the links are loose, you could be sensing chain stretch with each down-pedal. When was the last time the chain was changed?

If it's a 15-year-old frame, it's steel. If it's steel, it probably isn't cracked, but if it is, you can take it to a frame builder to have it fixed.

Or, you could use this as a reason to go and buy yourself a new bike... :D
fubar5
06-27-02, 04:59 PM
Originally posted by velocipedio

Or, you could use this as a reason to go and buy yourself a new bike... :D


That's the answer I'm looking for!!!! Ha ha :D



Are you sure it's frame flex? Some other things to look for:

1. The crank bolts. Are the cranks firmly seated on the BB spindle, or are they a little loose? If they're loose, tighten the bolt.

2. The chainrings: Are the chainring bolts tight? Sometimes, the rings get a little loose and that can feel like flex.

3. The chain: Is the chain in good shape? It may be old, worn and stretched. If the sideplates of the links are loose, you could be sensing chain stretch with each down-pedal. When was the last time the chain was changed?

If it's a 15-year-old frame, it's steel. If it's steel, it probably isn't cracked, but if it is, you can take it to a frame builder to have it fixed.

Everything is in good shape atcually. But I can SEE the frame flexing if I look down while I pedal. At first I thought it was just and illusion created by the bike swaying back and forth, but the more I look the less it looks like an illusion, my bike is twisting.