rapattack

Hi i only realised in the last few weeks that the front turning/rotation so different on the right and left. Is this normal? I don't know why it has taken me so long to see this or is there something i don't know about folding bikes?

jur

The only thing I can think of is that the handlebars got twisted around by 360deg, wrapping the cables around the steering column, preventing rotation in one direction as they tighten up.

rapattack

No its not the cables. Could it be something i have to adjust?

wahoonc

What kind of bike and head set? I have had a headset where the lower cup was binding when turned to one side and not the other, turned out the cup was in a bit crooked and the piece on the fork was off the other way.

Aaron

rapattack

https://www.blindfreddyebikes.com.au/page4.php
Its the first bike on this page. I have a lithium battery set up though...upgraded some time ago

HGR3inOK

No, it is not normal. The first thing I would probably do to troubleshoot this issue would be to remove the front basket and, maybe, any other accessories (lights, computer, etc.) that have been added to the bike.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

rapattack

thanks but this happens wether the basket is on or not. I only just put it on. Its just put on with cable ties as i don't have the proper mount stuff to put it on the right way. i can tell thats not the issue. I should make a video but not now as it is super late in the morning in australia and i need some sleep soon :0)

fietsbob

Go to a proper bike shop for a live mechanic seeing it in person..

rapattack

thanks i am on a pension and can't afford that but when i get a chance will go to a community Bike Club...don't know when that will be though :0)

wahoonc

Is it when the bike is under power or just pedaling? If under power it is called torque steer. If not under power, possibly a wheel/fork misalignment.

Aaron

Poguemahone

Could also be the headtube facing/headset installation. Eliminate the simplier to fix stuff first; this one is a bit of a pain. Do check the cable runs. I've seen what jur suggests occur.

rapattack

Its an ebike and i can ride without the motor or both. The motor and battery are on the back of the bike. I am going to the sydney Bike Club in two days :0)

Yeah no its nothing to do with cables. Hard for me to explain but i know its not that.

jur

There are just a few things that could limit rotation... the external ones such as a reflector hitting somewhere because it is misaligned, would be easy to spot by careful inspection while turning the steering in the direction in which it binds.

If it binds with a clunk, it is likely to be something that hits against something else (like the reflector). If it just gets gradually more difficult, then I would call the bearing, assuming cables have been eliminated as a reason.

Eliminating all external possibilities, basically leaves only the headset bearings. That is a bike shop job if you lack the tools and know-how.

rapattack

Good news the handy neighbour turned up and it was that thing that is where the bike rotates that needed adjustment. Sorry not good at explaining and it did seem obvious but i am not very strong due to illness. I also thought the tool i have was not big enough to do the job...anyway its good news and i can go around corners now better than ever. Even my neighbour that has a talent for fixing cars didn't know why this occurs

Azreal911

Glad you got everything fixed and in working order. But that's very weird that the headset can bind in such a way. Also since you are riding a pretty expensive E-bike and it's probably your main form of transportation, I would fold it up and bring it in with you whenever you can!

rapattack

Yeah he unscrewed whatever the thing is and then turned it? then re tightened? Sorry both he and i didn't get why that worked. One of those puzzling things i guess

jur

So it is the headset bearing. Sounds like the lock nut on top is/was not locked and the adjustment tightens up when turning to the right. That should not happen... something may be adrift.

Clownbike

Was thinking along the same lines. My guess was that the lock washer was missing between the lock nut and bearing cap(or whatever the technical term is). Turn it one way, tightens bearing. Turn it the other, loosens bearing. The lock washer is usually keyed to keep it from turning. If this is the case, I'd go over the entire bike with a fine tooth comb.

rapattack

Oh ok not sure what you mean as i just don't know enough about modern bikes. The bike has been in the shop many times since i have had it so maybe they didn't look at everything during its multiple stays! Ah well will see how i go with Bike Club tomorrow not that i think anyone there knows that much about this type of bike...its useful what you said though as i will push whoever i can get a hold of to look at everything.

Clownbike

Check out Sheldon's reference to Threaded Headsets here - https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html#headset

The Spacer between the Locknut and Threaded Top Race is keyed to a slot in the Steerer, preventing the locknut from tightening the top race. The keyed spacer may be missing from your bike, or was possibly replaced with a plain washer.

rapattack

ok i get what you mean. will check this out tomorrow as the bike is locked away and time for bed :0) thanks so much

fietsbob

Threaded headset adjustments require 2 wrenches,
The one that fits the adjustable top race, is thinner .
often 1/8" thick and a 36mm..
if stem is 1",
regular bikes usually 32mm .. stem is 7/8"[22.2mm]

rapattack

Thanks for the info. Will log into this forum when i get to bike club so they will know what to do or this will help them anyway if there is doubt :0)

Poguemahone

Indeed. Stand over the bike and hold down the front brake. Shove the bike back and forth ; if you feel a click your headset is now too loose. It was certainly too tight at points in the rotation.

Hoshnasi

I was going to say you left arm HAD to be longer than your right.

Glad you're back on the road.