Bicycle Mechanics - Carbon Fiber Fork Problems - Wheel Not Centered

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MikeIsOrganic
11-07-07, 04:11 PM
I recently got a bike with a carbon fiber fork and the front wheel isn't centered when put in. The wheel was just trued and centered, and is off the same amount in the same direction when the wheel is flipped. One of the aluminum dropouts appears to be twisted inwards at one point. I know photos would help, and i'll get some asap ( i dont have a camera ), but does anyone have any suggestions or ideas to a fix other than buying a new fork?

cmdr
11-07-07, 05:22 PM
If you bought the bike from a shop recently it should be still under warranty. Take it back and let them deal with it. I would hesitate before trying to correct the problem by any mechanical means.
Rev.Chuck
11-07-07, 07:14 PM
I have seen some carbon forks with lots of clearcoat that has run into the dropouts. But first take it to a shop with alignment tools and have them see if it is misaligned first.

HillRider
11-08-07, 10:45 AM
Do not attempt to straighten it yourself. You will at best weaken the bond between the carbon blade and the Al dropout and at worst have the dropout come off in your hand. If it's new, have the bike shop warranty it.
Sheldon Brown
11-08-07, 10:59 AM
I have seen some carbon forks with lots of clearcoat that has run into the dropouts. But first take it to a shop with alignment tools and have them see if it is misaligned first.Good advice.

Plastic forks are pretty scary, so if it's significantly out of alignment, it should probably be discarded.

If it is aligned, however, a few strokes with a round file may be all that's needed, to deepen the dropout slot.

Sheldon "Metal Is Good" Brown