gmouchawar

I have a bike that pulls very so slightly to the left.
I suspect a misaligned fork. The dropout seems 5mm wider than 110 so I suspect one of the blades is tweaked or the DO are misaligned.
Can I take the fork into a LBS and have them align it? It is a steel for from a bike in the mid 80s.
Thanks,

fietsbob 

The fork allighment reference clamps around the bare steerer tube,,
so yes you have to remove it from the bike.

don't you feel guilty with keeping a stolen fork?

or just foolish for not checking your spelling prior to sending it?

Bike Gremlin

"Steal", as well as "steel" passes spelling check with no problems.

Besides, it would be stupid to ride a stolen bike with a regular steel fork, wouldn't it?

Dan Burkhart 

A very well equipped LBS may have a fork alignment jig, but if there is a frame builder nearby, your chances would be better there.
A steel fork is often repairable, but not always.

Lawrence08648

All good bike shops have a fork alignment tool. The cost is $15-$25. It's a two piece took with each piece screws on the drop out and then a center piece on a screw that must match the other center piece exactly in the center.

reddog3

Am I reading this wrong? The width should be 100mm, not 110+5. It's a standard road bike from the 80's? Do you have to pull the fork blades to the hub with the nuts, or quick release? If so, have the fork blades reset and aligned.

You can do a quick check of alignment using the front wheel. Insert fully into the dropouts and see if it's centered relative to the fork blades or steerer tube. That doesn't mean that the head tube is in plane however.

Has the bike always done this?

HillRider

I saw this too and thought maybe the OP was measuring across the outside faces of the dropouts, not the correct inside measurement. If the inside measurment is indeed 110+ mm, there is indeed something badly distorted with that fork.

zandoval 

All in all you don't want to do this yourself via clamps and bars unless you have to - Now what about the rest of the frame - Be sure you give the whole thing a very good look over for hairline cracks - Tap/Ping the frame and fork and check for any dull sounds or rings - I had a situation where I ran into the rough after coming down a hill to fast - I noted a little pull on my front wheel and excessive wear on the center of my front tire ONE YEAR LATTER - When I removed the fork there was a 2mm crack in the crown - After checking alinement I just braised it up and put it back on but I should have checked and found it much earlier...

gmouchawar

Yes. The distance between the front DO is slightly wider that it should be. That is why I was asking if fork alignment can be done at any LBS.
I will be heading over to the LBS shortly and will let you know what I find.
The frame doesn't show any signs of damage in the usual place behind the front TT and DT lugs, so it is ok.
The wheel has enough play in the DO that it can be centered with some care. I am taking this as another sign that the fork is tweaked.

gmouchawar

No luck at LBS no. 1. The right fork blade was diagnosed as farther out than the left because when putting a new wheel, the space on the right side is slightly greater than the left. But they couldn't help with the alignment. Will try the cycling shop in Sports Chalet.

JohnDThompson 

It can be done at any competent LBS. I'm surprised that your LBS could diagnose the problem but not offer to fix it.

kc0yef 

Well then you need to get a vise that weighs about 150 lbs and old axle and a hammer

Myosmith

My righting is grate, this eye know, 'cause my spell cheque just told me sew.

Bike Gremlin

Heeds will roll...