Originally Posted by
Kontact
How do you know that the dropouts are actually centered on the BB shell? If the stays are both off to the left or right, that will have the effect of making them not level when you center the wheel visually.
Check the dropout centering first with at lease a string that goes from right dropout, wraps around the headtube and goes to the left dropout. If the stays are centered, the space between string and seat tube will be the same on both sides.
I did try the string test first and they seemed lined up nicely. I also have a nice 4’ aluminum “yardstick” perhaps 2” wide holding that width wise against the headtube then against the seat tube, and then reaching to the dropouts lined up the same on both sides.
I forgot to add that I did try the axle in various spots. Also with the wheel installed, and just sighting from the rear, one can see the wheel canted relative to the seat tube. They aren’t perpendicular with each other. It is fairly easy to see when standing back a bit and sighting. I find this a nice visual test for chain line too. The eye notices discrepancies like that I think.