Newbie needing some help (re. squirming whilst braking/descending)
06-26-15, 03:04 PM
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Newbie needing some help (re. squirming whilst braking/descending)
Hi,
Newbie here (to both bikeforums.net and still relatively new to road cycling)! I have a couple of issues with my Trek 1.5.
I have found that whilst descending or cornering fast I find the rear end 'squirms', or feels a bit wobbly. Sort of worrying as i'm starting to lose confidence in the bike regarding high speed descents.
I can't see any cracks in the frame or damage etc. to the wheels. The wheels seem to spin true (straight) and the bike is cleaned and lubed as often as required.
Any other checks to the bike that I could do would be greatly appreciated, as well as any known problems (possibly the tyres, wheels, frame flex?). (I have no idea).
Would an upgrade to any specific parts be helpful (both for this issue and general bike stiffness whilst sprinting?)
A lot of rather vague and no doubt difficult to answer questions, but thanks in advance for the help!
Newbie here (to both bikeforums.net and still relatively new to road cycling)! I have a couple of issues with my Trek 1.5.
I have found that whilst descending or cornering fast I find the rear end 'squirms', or feels a bit wobbly. Sort of worrying as i'm starting to lose confidence in the bike regarding high speed descents.
I can't see any cracks in the frame or damage etc. to the wheels. The wheels seem to spin true (straight) and the bike is cleaned and lubed as often as required.
Any other checks to the bike that I could do would be greatly appreciated, as well as any known problems (possibly the tyres, wheels, frame flex?). (I have no idea).
Would an upgrade to any specific parts be helpful (both for this issue and general bike stiffness whilst sprinting?)
A lot of rather vague and no doubt difficult to answer questions, but thanks in advance for the help!
06-26-15, 03:23 PM
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Do you have any accessories, racks, or bags mounted to the bike? Some bikes handle funny with a high, rear load (like a trunk bag on a rack), described as "the tail wagging the dog".
"Shimmy" is a phenomenon where the front fork vibrates when you reach a higher speed. This doesn't sound like what's happening, but sometimes a slight shimmy from the front makes the whole bike feel unstable, and you may perceive it in your saddle.
"Shimmy" is a phenomenon where the front fork vibrates when you reach a higher speed. This doesn't sound like what's happening, but sometimes a slight shimmy from the front makes the whole bike feel unstable, and you may perceive it in your saddle.
06-26-15, 03:33 PM
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I have a small saddle bag but that's it, no large pannier racks etc.
The front end feels ok, just sort of feels like i've got flat tyres (that rolling to the side sensation when turning with flats). But i've checked them and they're as solid as can be. Admittedly they're only the cheap Bontrager R1's that come with the bike.
The front end feels ok, just sort of feels like i've got flat tyres (that rolling to the side sensation when turning with flats). But i've checked them and they're as solid as can be. Admittedly they're only the cheap Bontrager R1's that come with the bike.
06-26-15, 04:42 PM
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High speed descents are not exactly within the realm of newbies. It is an acquired skillset from lots of experience. Perhaps you are not exactly ready yet.
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Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
06-26-15, 05:02 PM
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Double check your rear tire pressure as well. I find too soft a rear tire will feel squirrely.
06-26-15, 05:14 PM
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Totally possible that i'm trying to push further than my current skill set can take me as i've only been cycling for about a year on my road bike, (and even then only in the summer months) but this is a new problem from the past week or so rather than a problem i've always had.
06-29-15, 10:34 AM
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Some things to check:
True the wheels - check for spoke tension, broken spokes, etc. check the rim for cracks near the spoke holes.
Overhaul the hub - check the cone tension on the front hub; maybe the whole wheel is moving side-to-side?
Tire seating - are the tires fully seated in the rim? There is a small hair line molded into the sidewall of most tires, right above the rim. Use that line as a reference and see if it dips down below the rim anywhere.
Headset - ensure the headset has proper tension, and isn't loose.
Stem - ensure the stem is secure on the steerer, and the handlebars are secure in the stem clamp.
Inspect everything for cracks.
True the wheels - check for spoke tension, broken spokes, etc. check the rim for cracks near the spoke holes.
Overhaul the hub - check the cone tension on the front hub; maybe the whole wheel is moving side-to-side?
Tire seating - are the tires fully seated in the rim? There is a small hair line molded into the sidewall of most tires, right above the rim. Use that line as a reference and see if it dips down below the rim anywhere.
Headset - ensure the headset has proper tension, and isn't loose.
Stem - ensure the stem is secure on the steerer, and the handlebars are secure in the stem clamp.
Inspect everything for cracks.
