Bicycle Suddenly Unstable??
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Bianchi Sempre, Bianchi Roger, Bianchi Super Pista, Specialized Enduro Expert EVO
Bicycle Suddenly Unstable??
Riding home from work on Friday, my bike all of a sudden felt a little unstable. I thought it may just be me, but I rode it today again and it is still doing it. If I take my hands of the bars while moving, it feels like it is going to tip right over. Very difficult to ride with one hand as well...
The tires are up to pressure, tires are in good shape. Anyone have any thoughts??
The tires are up to pressure, tires are in good shape. Anyone have any thoughts??
#2
Hogosha Sekai

Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Simple check list I'd run down, check your handle bar to fork allignment, check your wheels positions mounted in their drop outs... and I guess (although I think it's unlikely) the crankset/BB to make sure they're tightened properly but I'm guessing you'd notice either of those with your feet already. Pictures might also help but who knows
#4
Hogosha Sekai

Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
#6
Riding home from work on Friday, my bike all of a sudden felt a little unstable. I thought it may just be me, but I rode it today again and it is still doing it. If I take my hands of the bars while moving, it feels like it is going to tip right over. Very difficult to ride with one hand as well...
The tires are up to pressure, tires are in good shape. Anyone have any thoughts??
The tires are up to pressure, tires are in good shape. Anyone have any thoughts??
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#8
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 25
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Bianchi Sempre, Bianchi Roger, Bianchi Super Pista, Specialized Enduro Expert EVO
So I just walked downstairs and checked out the bike. No noticeable cracks in the frame or the fork. The spokes are all tight and in great shape. Wheels spin true.
The headset is not loose but it does look like fork is tilted forward a bit... just slightly...
The gap at the front of the headtube looks good, but at the back it gets slightly larger. New bearings needed?
The headset is not loose but it does look like fork is tilted forward a bit... just slightly...
The gap at the front of the headtube looks good, but at the back it gets slightly larger. New bearings needed?
#9
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
So I just walked downstairs and checked out the bike. No noticeable cracks in the frame or the fork. The spokes are all tight and in great shape. Wheels spin true.
The headset is not loose but it does look like fork is tilted forward a bit... just slightly...
The gap at the front of the headtube looks good, but at the back it gets slightly larger. New bearings needed?
The headset is not loose but it does look like fork is tilted forward a bit... just slightly...
The gap at the front of the headtube looks good, but at the back it gets slightly larger. New bearings needed?
#10
Yeah. Rock it back and forth with some force and listen, look, and feel for movement where the top of the fork abuts the head tube. Sometimes there might be some play or looseness in the brake caliper that might feel similar to a loose headset.
#11
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Bianchi Sempre, Bianchi Roger, Bianchi Super Pista, Specialized Enduro Expert EVO
Well, I got home and checked the fork, frame and axel. All good.
Then I pulled the fork out and the bottom headset bearing was destroyed...
Glad my frame isn't cracked! Thanks for the help everyone!
Then I pulled the fork out and the bottom headset bearing was destroyed...
Glad my frame isn't cracked! Thanks for the help everyone!






