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My Bike Feels Loose

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Old 05-24-11, 12:31 PM
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My Bike Feels Loose

Hi,

Just recently my bike feels a little loose to me. If I were to shake my bike back and forth while riding it real slow, it's like it has a "snake", if you will, effect to it. Do I need to tighten something and if so what? The bike is a 2011 Motobecane Sprint.

One guy that I ride with told me it might be the wheels I am using (Neuvation Wheelset)

It's just not as stiff as it was before.

Any ideas?
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Old 05-24-11, 12:33 PM
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headset loose?

with the bike at a standstill, straddle the toptube and apply the front brake fully. rock the bike back and fourth, holding the brake on. if you detect movement between the fork and the frame, the headset needs to be tightened.
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Old 05-24-11, 12:36 PM
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Time for a visit to the LBS. Have them check it out. I'm guessing it's the headset too, but better safe than sorry.
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Old 05-24-11, 12:46 PM
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It could be the headset as mentioned before or the tension of the spokes maybe?
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Old 05-24-11, 12:51 PM
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Tell your bike to stop sleeping around! Actually seriously have your lbs check your headset and make sure you check your wheel skewers as well.
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Old 05-24-11, 12:54 PM
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Tire pressure
Wheel skewers, spokes, and bearings
Check the frame for cracks... my bike felt noodly when it had a crack
It could also be in your head
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Old 05-24-11, 01:02 PM
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Headset is fine with very very little play. I don't think it's the headset, because the movement that I feel is more towards the rear of the bike. I think because it is an aluminum frame I am just noticing it flex more now for some reason. I've got like 3,500 miles on it.
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Old 05-24-11, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by urbanknight
It could also be in your head
Most likely. My bike can feel different depending on my mood/energy level.

Surface conditions and wind (the kind that is there but can not be felt) can give a different feel tool.

Check out those other items as recommended of course.
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Old 05-24-11, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by finsfree
Headset is fine with very very little play. I don't think it's the headset, because the movement that I feel is more towards the rear of the bike. I think because it is an aluminum frame I am just noticing it flex more now for some reason. I've got like 3,500 miles on it.
It may not be your problem but your headset shouldn't have any play at all.
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Old 05-24-11, 01:21 PM
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Others have already given good checklists (wheels, skewers, spokes, etc.). I'd second the recommendation to check your frame... carefully... especially the seatstays and chainstays.
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Old 05-24-11, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by finsfree
Headset is fine with very very little play. I don't think it's the headset, because the movement that I feel is more towards the rear of the bike. I think because it is an aluminum frame I am just noticing it flex more now for some reason. I've got like 3,500 miles on it.
Wrot WROOH!

CL time... before it disintegrates!

but iff'n you don;t wanna do that
prolly a good time to check the chain for wearpoint...

new, better tahrs always perk up a flaccid ride.
beware, this becomes a financial spiral into ruin as you constantly move up to the next level of rubbers.

good imagination? I mean Motobecane uses only the finest of recycled Bud cans for their frames.



kiddin...
if you can;t see anything on the frame, then it's prolly fine and just like the day you bought it.
I've got a boneshaker Cannondale SR900 just as jarring as the day in I got it in '86.
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