Road Cycling - Wheel friction

I just got a 2002 KHS Flite 300, and its in somewhat used condition (must have been used for group rides, or test ridden a lot). Everything seems to be in great shape, but before I put the bike together, I tried spinning the front wheel while holding the axis. It would not spin nearly as long as I thought it would.

I was wondering if the bearings may be bad, or do a lot of wheels just naturally do that on a free spin by the way they are set up?

I tried spinning it while on the bike (holding the bike off the ground) and it did the same. Its rotation would slow down very quickly. Same with the rear wheels. Is this normal? Or do I need new wheels?

On the bike, it doesn't feel like there is much friction. I can't really tell because I haven't ridden a decent bike on a real ride ever, besides that one. It has much less friction than my old bike, so it doesn't seem like there are problems. I'm just wondering if road wheels typically de-accelarate quickly when free spinning.

Although I can't answer your question, its nice to see I'm not the only one with an Flite 300, although mine is a 2003...

Your cones could be tight (metal parts that stick out of the hubs). If you don't know how to adjust them yourself (or don't have cone wrenches), take it to a shop. They should be able to adjust them for you in a matter of a minute without charging you.

I asked this question about my wheels a while back - you might search for my thread - wheel spin.. or something like that.

The general consensus I got was to
A. Make sure the bearing grease was clean and free from dirt.
B. Mine was new - so there was some thought that the grease might not have reached the optimal consistency.
C. The cones and cups might be too tight. and I got a great lesson and how to tension up the axial as you tighten them down - should be a picture of an angle bracket used to secure the wheel in a vise.... I made my own and it works great.
D. Check the cones, cups and bearings to insure that there is no unusual wear which might contribute...

I also believe that depending on the quality of the hub, you will find inherent friction in the parts. A hub like a Chris King will spin forever... but I have come to understand that my Ritchy Comps are just a few steps down the quality ladder and thus are not as friction free...

But once on my bike, I can't really tell they are dragging any... might come into play if I raced or over the course of a day might decrease my average slightly, but I'm out there for the sheer enjoyment, not the speed...

Good luck with your wheels.
:beer:

R

Correction the picture of the tool used to hold the wheel under tension while you adjust the caps is under a thread I loving entitled "These Wheels Stink"...

I'm sure you will enjoy reading both of these threads...

R

thank you :)