Mountain Biking - Will this bend a fork?

I just bought a 2002 Cannondale F600. When I travel with it, I put it in the back of my Jeep Cherokee with the front wheel off and it stands on the fork, leaning somewhat to one side (against the inside wall of the truck and on only one leg of the fork) so it does not fall when I turn. I have already done this a couple times, and it seems (although it could be my imagination) that the space between the end of the fork, where the wheel posts (if that is the proper term) fit into the fork, is smaller. Could this be the case, with no real weight other than the bike leaning on one side of the fork? The wheel fits in -- it just seems to be more snug than it was to begin with. In case it is not completely obvious, I am new to this. Thanks, Carter

I wouldn't think so. You might check the hubs on your wheel and see if maybe they have backed off some, causing your fork to fit tighter. Is there any lateral play in your front wheel?

I am not sure what you mean by the hub possibly backing off some?????

There is no play in the front wheel. To the contrary, it is harder to get the wheel in than it was at first. The more I think about it, the more I think it is unlikely that this could bend the fork at all, but I just thought it strange that it seemed harder to fit in.

Any thoughts? Maybe I am being hyper sensitive with my new toy?

You are being hypersensitive about your new toy.:D You're not doing any damage at all to the fork, check to see if your skewers are open enough to be placed in the fork legs.

Thanks, guys. I love the bike. It has been a blast to ride. I originally bought a cyclocross and returned it (a Bianchi Axis). I thought it would serve well as a both a decent mild off road bike and a road bike, but it was way too stiff for anything but the smoothest surfaces, IMHO. I love this Cannondale. It is extremely smooth and forgiving, both on rough city streets and on the packed trails I have been riding on. I am hooked.

Originally posted by Carter
I am not sure what you mean by the hub possibly backing off some?????

DG meant that if the cones and locknuts had backed off a little then the hub would be effectively 'wider' as it fit into the fork, accounting for the snugness.

I highly doubt that you have or will damage anything with the weight of the bike by placing it like this. If it really bothers you, you could throw an old quick-release hub in there but it would mostly be for peace of mind.

Once you get a few scratches on the bike you will really start to enjoy it!

Carter, what I meant by the hubs backing off was, the outer ring can come unscrewed somewhat causing the hub to be wider. Thus making it tight going into the forks. I've had this happen several times. I usually just tighten them back with my hands, (no tools) as tight as I can get it.

I think there's a psychic bond here somewhere...:confused: :D

By the way, very nice bike for the price. I have an F600 desktop theme I can send if you like.

Originally posted by bikerider
I think there's a psychic bond here somewhere...:confused: :D
I was thinking the same thing...
Your answer wasn't there when I started typing.:D