Bicycle Mechanics - Wheel doesn't rotate in a plane

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Wheel doesn't rotate in a plane

Katzenjammer
12-09-06, 08:53 AM
The back wheel on my urban monster doesn't quite rotate in a plane anymore. I discovered that by adjusting the brakes down close and finding that as the wheel rotated, there's one patch where the rim would hit first one brake pad and then a moment later, the other.

Does that sound like an adjust-the-spokes problem or a replace-the-rim problem?

TO11MTM
12-09-06, 09:03 AM
...Yes.

If the spokes can be SAFELY adjusted (i.e. You're not having to loosen spokes to the point they have little or no tension, or far too much tension) than it's simply spoke adjustment. Otherwise yeah, it's time to go shopping for a new rim...

In any case you can try adjusting the spokes first, if the rim's already shot adjusting the spokes probably wont do much more damage than already present. If in doubt run it down to the local shop and they should be able to give you an honest assessment of it.
Retro Grouch
12-09-06, 10:22 AM
Check the spokes on each side of the rim where it's bent. If the spokes feel tight, like they are pulling the rim over to one side, then adjusting the spokes will fix it. If the spokes feel loose on the side where the rim is bent, then your rim itself has been compromised and it'll never make a good wheel again.

Unfortunately, the second case is by far the more likely.

Katzenjammer
12-09-06, 02:05 PM
bummer. Thanks, guys.

What's the best place on the web to learn the arcane art of adjusting spokes?
Al1943
12-10-06, 06:48 PM
bummer. Thanks, guys.

What's the best place on the web to learn the arcane art of adjusting spokes?

Start with Sheldon Brown's wheel truing instructions.

Al
barba
12-10-06, 06:49 PM
If you have not done it before, I would consider taking your wheel into a shop and having it trued.
cooker
12-10-06, 08:00 PM
Check the spokes on each side of the rim where it's bent. If the spokes feel tight, like they are pulling the rim over to one side, then adjusting the spokes will fix it. If the spokes feel loose on the side where the rim is bent, then your rim itself has been compromised and it'll never make a good wheel again.

Unfortunately, the second case is by far the more likely.

Really? What makes it so likely to be rim damage and not just a minor trueing situation?
Dr.Deltron
12-10-06, 10:42 PM
Really? What makes it so likely to be rim damage and not just a minor trueing situation?
Experience! .;)
Gray Dog
12-11-06, 08:06 PM
The back wheel on my urban monster doesn't quite rotate in a plane anymore.

Will it rotate on a boat? Will it rotate on a train? :D :roflmao: :D

Oh, Dr. Seuss where are you when we need you?