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Tricks To Align Rear Wheel?

Old 02-08-09, 04:57 PM
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Tricks To Align Rear Wheel?

My Miyata 615 is one of those bikes that did not come with drop out screws to align the rear wheel every time I remove it. Is there any sort of device or trick procedure I can use to get the rear wheel aligned correctly every time like I would get with drop out screws?
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Old 02-08-09, 05:32 PM
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Hold the rear brake tightly while a partner snugs up the QR
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Old 02-08-09, 06:05 PM
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You don't need two people to do this.

Some patience and practice helps. Also, having good manual dexterity makes things like this an easy task.
Make sure your bike is upright while you're doing this.
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Old 02-08-09, 06:26 PM
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In my shop I keep a couple of rubber door wedges handy to wedge in between the drop outs on either side of the wheel. This keeps the wheel centered while tightening the QR or nuts.
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Old 02-08-09, 10:45 PM
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I lift the back of the bike up with two finger on each hand and pull the wheel on fully. While maintaining the martial-arts stance, I use my remaining free fingers and palm to engage the QR-lever. Sometimes I'll slip a bit. I'll know this from how centered my brakes are. If I slipped? I do it again.
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Old 02-09-09, 12:33 AM
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If it is set up with quick releases then get hold it between the chain stays by the bb. Push backwards, hold it center and close the qr with the other hand. If you have a bolt on axle, get it close but slightly twisted towards the drive side. Bolt down the drive side, push it the other way to center it and tighten down the non drive side.
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Old 02-09-09, 12:50 AM
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Or you could drill and tap your stays and install the little screws with springs. Bike Tools Etc. has 'em.
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Old 05-15-09, 10:39 AM
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Old thread re-visit!

How do you know where the rear wheel/axel should go? I thought I remember something about the little cog hitting a point on the derailleur pulleys?

Last edited by AndyK; 05-15-09 at 10:51 AM.
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Old 05-15-09, 12:48 PM
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Technique:

Stand behind the bike with the rear wheel between your feet. Your toes should be a little behind the wheel axle.

Bend over and stabilize the bike by leaning your right collar bone against the back of the seat. You are going to push the bike forward with the collar bone.

Use your right hand to pull the wheel backwards. Now you are doing an isometric exercise with your right hand pulling backward and your collar bone pushing forward.

Center the wheel between the seatstays. Wobble the wheel left and right with your right hand.

Use your right hand to close the quick release lever.
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