vermilionx

whenever i do something... i get OCD and second (or should i say, hundredth) guess myself if i actually did it right.

most recent thing... i just moved spacers. i have checked the bike so many times already to see if my wheels and steerer are actually aligned. AAARRRGGGH!

i usually get over it after i go on another ride. but im done for today... so now, i will still be stuck checking it every few mins/hours till i get to ride it again for my commute to work tomorrow. -_-

maybe someday if i get more confidence in my mechanical skillz, i shouldn't have to deal with this. lolz

bikeman715

don't let it get to you ,just do it once then leave it . if it not right you notice when the next time you go for a ride .

vermilionx

thanks.

also, if the wheels and steerer are misaligned by a very small amount... will that affect handling and tire wear? how much?

dsbrantjr

They make this stuff called "decaffeinated coffee." You should try it.

vermilionx

lolz

i don't drink coffee.

although... it's prolly sugar. i have a sweet tooth.

ivan_yulaev

It won't affect tire wear at all, since the tire will still be straight when you are moving forward. It may affect handling if it prevents you from steering far enough although you'd notice this instantly.

Food for thought - most people's arms aren't exactly the same length. So you should probably measure your arms, and change the alignment of your steerer accordingly.

Regarding the OCD, I know that feel, bro.

vermilionx

so basically, there's no way i wouldn't notice it if it's bad enough to affect handling.

i took it for a quick spin already around our complex earlier and nothing seems off.

thanks, that's reassuring.

MudPie

I'm OCD with bearings:

1) Loose balls: Do I have the right number (count it numerous times); did I knock one out when I put the axle thru (remove axle and recount, repeat...)

2) Ball with retainer: Do I have it in the right orientation (check numerous times).

JonathanGennick 

Don't ya just hate doing that? I always end up test riding up and down the street a few times, trying to dial in just the right alignment. I run short stems too. Makes it even harder to eyeball the alignment.

And don't get me started on the aligning shift and brake levers on either side of the bar.

Shimagnolo

Unless he is so OCD that he holds the bars perfectly straight, resulting in riding in circles, which will wear one shoulder of the tires more than the other.

jim hughes

With something like bike mechanics, it's better to care too much than too little.

FBinNY 

You know the question about a tree falling when no one's around to hear it?

Well it's similar when it comes to how straight bars need to be. If you don't notice it riding it's straight. Taking it one step farther, if you think it's crooked, but you're not sure which way, it's straight.

You're not looking for perfection, just straight enough that you don't notice the error while riding. Next time, put a time limit on it, and get it good enough, then call it quits and move on.

jethro56 

It's all about having the correct tolerance. Both in the bike and yourself.

WickedThump

+1

vermilionx

good advice.

i esp like the time limit idea.

it's sucks that im in a rut w/ my other hobbies (video games and playing guitar) those usually give a good distraction.