This seems to be a theme over the last few days. Reading the other two threads has been a help....

I have a new steel frame Motobecane Fantom CXX bike from Bikes Direct. The alignment of the rear wheel is just a little off vertically. The side of the rim is about 1/8-inch closer to the right (drive side) seat stay than the left.

I checked the dish of the wheel with a dishing gauge and also by flipping it around in the frame. It checks out ok with both tests - the dish is right on and the distances to the seat stays remain the same either way.

I checked the alignment of the rear triangle with the string test where you tie the string to one dropout, run it around the head tube, and then back to the other dropout. The measurement from the seat tube to the string is exactly the same on both sides, so that checks out ok.

As far as I can tell, the dropouts appear to be approximately parallel and the right spacing, but I think it is hard to measure this with enough precision to rule out a problem. I think a small issue there could explain the misalignment. The wheel definitely installs smoothly.

Is there anything else I can do to diagnose this, short of taking it to the LBS?

Assuming I'm on the right track (usually a dangerous assumption ), can this be considered within normal tolerances for a frame in this price range? ($800 for the complete bike)?

Is this likely to be even noticeable in the way the bike handles? If the wheel would track 1/16th of an inch further to the left, it would be exactly centered in the frame. Does 1/16th of an inch matter?

I know it's new and I can insist on getting another frame under warranty, but returning it is something of a hassle and I have already invested substantial time in getting the bike set up the way I want it. If only I had seen this right off the bat. Other than this issue, I really like the bike.