Timtruro

After replacing the tube on my rear wheel and putting it back on the bike I noticed that as spun the wheel (on a stand), in the coasting mode, the gears in the cassette are floating, moving slightly side to side. Could I have somehow loosened it just by taking the wheel off and on? Or could this be 'normal' play in the hub? This is a Roubaix elite road bike. Thinking I should head for the LBS tomorrow. Doesn't look right.

ericm979

If you grab the cassete can you move it side to side? If so and it's a shimano 10sp, the 1mm spacer between the freehub and cassette has been left off.

More likely it won't move. Then what you are seeing is normal variation in the cassette and freehub. They're not perfect. Don't worry about it.

stapfam

Doesn't seem right to me either- but how much Movement?

The old freewheels used to move a lot and this seemed to be a trait of them.

I only have good wheels on the road bikes that are fairly new and have not noticed any movement at all but All my MTB wheels have done a few miles. Plenty of movement in those cassettes now and I can't say what is causing it. Bit of wear has obviously taken place and over the years I dare say they have taken a few hard landings. They don't cause a problem though so Although I would get the shop to check it out--They will probably say it is normal.

Just the newness wearing out of them is the polite terminology I used to use.

pdlamb

My guess is a loose retaining ring, because I've had that problem more than once. But a good LBS should be able to fix whatever is wrong.

Mr. Beanz

I see a slight wiggle, somewhat of a floating effect on all my bikes over the last 15 years. Never been a problem. Did freak me out the first time I noticed it.

I've removed the cassettes, cleaned, regreased, tighten lock rings, its still there and it's normal.

You can see some float in this video at 1:18 and more evident at 3:03. Faster makes it more evident as well.

Cyclomania

This is what I saw yesterday after replacing my cassette on my mountain bike. I saw the same funny wavy floating taking place. But I remembered my last cassette, it had the imperfect look about it when I spun my back wheel. Thanks for the info!

JanMM

No need to go to the LBS to assure that the cassette retainer is tight if you have the tool/s.

Timtruro

I can see the movement, looks just like what mine is doing, thanks for the reassurance, I won't worry about it based on the replies I've gotten. Have ridden it the last few days and no problems.

Timtruro

Stopped in at my LBS yesterday, the mechanics (2) both agreed that the movement in the cassette is normal. Peace of mind.