Why do my wheels keep falling off, and what is the solution?
 

No, not the cycling wheels for moving the bicycle ahead. I mean the rolling wheels on my FLAMINGO London 7NX folding bike.

short version: Is it going to be straightforward to repair missing coaster wheels in a third-world capital city without Flamingo or Brompton dealers?

Almost immediately both the replacements (larger online skate wheels) and the smaller original wheels started falling off. This has happened four or five times. Up until now I have caught it during or right after it happened and been able to rescue the wheel, bolt, nut and two washers (not original, a bike mechanic added one washer on each when I suggested this might be a design flaw. Who knows, maybe I made it worse by doing so). I asked the good mechanic if he could add or change something so they didn't keep falling off. He added something called lock something, which I found out later was just a lubricant.

Just two nights ago I heard the telltale sound while riding at night on a highway and amazingly was able to retrieve all! But tonight I see the rack is missing its left rear wheel, of the set that provides half the forward steering while rolling. I suspect it was from yet another demonstration of folding people have been asking for. At that time the seat post wasn't going down and mechanically it didn't make sense. The post was catching on the block. After a clunk sound the fold became smaller and as odd as that was I never thought more of it.

So unless when I go back to that restaurant and they found and saved the wheel, it is going to require getting a new matching set from Flamingo or Brompton (I presume the little bits are generic). Or will a decent Hanoi bike shop (I know of one) have coaster wheels? Why should a non-folding bike shop have parts to fit a folder? I think I will be stuck until I get to Bangkok.

This is very inconvenient as I am in Hanoi. Just a few days ago I discovered that part of the rack that holds the very same wheel was bent and with a wrench I straightened it. I don't know if this is relevant or how this happened. I rode it for eleven days in Hanoi and never noticed such even though the reasonable explanation is that it was bent during luggage handling (I hadn't removed the wheels for air transport).

I think I bought the wrong kind of bicycle. Originally top priority was for an easy maintenance bike for which I could get parts and service most anywhere in the world. But none of the Dahon folders could match this fold and now I am stuck with an oddball bike

tangent: Am I manhandling my bike by folding and unfolding several times a day? I also roll it a lot, usually on smooth surfaces only. It's hard to steer. There is something wrong with the design. Even the fold is starting to unravel again. And the gears need to be adjusted yet again but the barrel adjuster has jammed up again. I think MY BIKE SHOP in Singapore sold me a lemon with this Flamingo. I am no power user yet the good effects of every tune up last only hours or at the most 10 days.

Two suggestions:
1. Do not continue repeating the same non-solution.
2. Before you attempt any other solution, investigate and understand the cause of the problem.

Good advice, thank you. The reason I posted this question is to investigate. Further to this point of what is *causing* the wheels to fall off I can only conjecture... The rack and wheels do not sit flush on the ground. Only three wheels actually turn properly. So, one of the smaller set of wheels is doing double duty. I have told multiple bike mechanics this problem but not one (even the very best) has been able to determine why this problem exists in the first place.I suspect that allowing a stranger to ride my bicycle (I said no. he ignored me) and not being firm enough in my remonstrations when a 38 kilo girl climbed on to stand on the rack. But these problems predated these foolishnesses.

Another factor is not having a consistent bicycle mechanic. It's like seeing a new doctor every week for a chronic health problem. It gets messy. For all I know Van's urban Bike Shop outside KL intentionally misshaped the wheel holder so that it would balance better.

can you provide pictures of the wheels that keep causing problems (online pics would be fine) the lock lubricant, locktide? a metal glue? are we talking about these wheels? http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxyZHSxZ75...0/IMAG1274.jpg generic skating wheels? the easiest solution would be to use longer bolts and use two nuts tight up against eachother, that even keeps my moped together at 14k rpm

most likely reason for them falling off; vibrations


what direction does it roll folded in, with ****ty bearings the spinning of the wheel might losing up the nut if done a **** job, altho it shouldnt..

I assume the mechanic added locktite which is the first thing I would have recommended. Since that didn't work, it looks like if you found someone handy enough, they could drill and pin the allen cap screws from the backside. This is going off of pics I found on the web.

The best you will get here is guesswork, not an investigation.
Here's a probative question to ask yourself: Can the bike function without the rollers?

If loosening of the bolts or nuts causes the problem, there are several methods to prevent that:
self locking fasteners
drill and cotter pin
lock wire
tack welds
glue
peening with a hammer
and of course proper torque at installation

using fine thread nuts and bolts helps too

That's what he said: 'locktite' which quickly disappointed me when I learned that it isn't a lock tight piece of hardware, but instead a fluid/gel/whatever. I asked for a secure alternative, was willing to pay for one (actually all four) and he didn't. What's up? I had in mind something like you mentioned.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=383883
Clear wheels are inline skate wheels and are on forward part of bike

Black wheels are original FLAMINGO wheels on rear or rack. When bike is folded their positions reverse.

If in normal rolling mode (hand holds seat) bike rolls in direction to right, that is translucent white wheels at rear.

BTW, I have talked with several bike mechanics about replacing original black wheels with other inline skate wheels, so they effectively match (both practically and aesthetically). Last guy told me rack structure doesn't allow that. I am no Joe Engineer but why not just add enough washers until it's far enough out that it doesn't make any difference?

One reason I want to do this additional modification is to reduce stress on black wheels, which in SHOPPING CART rolling mode (reverse from normal, that is instead of hand on seat one pushes with hand on handlebars) the smaller wheels are aft instead of fore which really makes no sense to me.

The black rollers appear to have "nylock" self locking nuts but the bolts are too short to engage them.

Avoidance is frequently the most elegant solution. If you can get by with only one pair of rollers you could potentially cut the problem in half.

for your consideration...
 

I am no bicycle mechanic, but what you are saying makes sense. Indeed the insides are plastic, but how far do the bolts have to extend? They just barely reach the end of the nylon threading.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=383916

2-5 threads should typically extend through the nut of any properly tightened fastener unless otherwise stated by the OEM.

Sounds like there are several explanations

1. Manufacturer of wheels/bicycle/ nut instructions ignored
2. Mechanic did not have correct length bolt
3. Mechanic did not know better
4. Mechanic was in a rush
5. Mechanic careless/forgetful/deliberately sabotaged
6. Flamingo (manufacturer of bike) suggests it be as it is
7. Problematic technically to shorten/cut bolt as standard size very close
8. Adding washers caused too short issue
9. It is an international conspiracy of the Federal Reserve, Rothschilds and Big Pharma

You might say 'what does it matter 'why?' just solve it. Well, I'm curious

I have the same bike. Mine was purchased second hand but it was also originally from MY BIKE SHOP, SG.

One of the wheels popped off on when I first took it out for a ride. I retrieved the wheel and screwed it back on real tight. I have not had any trouble since.

The bike folds quite compactly but after folding it is not very maneuverable or easy to handle. You can only push it forward or backward in a straight line. I tend to lift the two rear skate wheels when pushing along to help move it about. It is a poor folded design really.

The Flamingo's biggest selling point is that IGH. If you don't need it then I suggest sell the bike and purchase a bike with a different folding mechanism, especially if you intend to move it around in its folded form. My Oyama East Village foldie is extremely easy to maneuver in its folded form. That's one place to start.

Glad to hear from someone else with the lovable b*stard of a Brompton wanabee. I do like the internal gear hub. Thank you for the suggestion of getting a new bike. This Flamingo is OK, not a great bike in many ways, but in some ways a good bike for the price. My next bike will be a Brompton titanium 1-speed.

BTW, a mechanic in Hanoi changed the wheel fastener (see enclosed photos). Time will tell if it works. Looks just like long nut to me. I asked for a secure solution such as Anklework kindly detailed in a reply above. But, alas - the shop was unable or unwilling to do such a task.

Notice the corrosion after only two months in southeast Asia .