So im fairly sure one side of the frame is lower then the other, it may be hard to see on camera but its clear with the tyre on that its leaning to the left side. Ive tried 2 different wheels both some symptoms so I dont belive its incorrectly dished, ive also tried switching it around and then it leans on the eight side granted not as severe. So my questions is what are my options as I can still ride it however it really gets on my nerves seeing it. Any more information needed id be happy to answer.
by kenkaneki911
11 Comments
Apologies for the typos haha
That’s an aluminum frame isn’t it? 🤔. My answer only applies to steel.
First I would make sure that the wheel is correct in the drop outs.
Best way to do this is by putting the bike on the floor, open the quick release, but a little pressure on the frame so the wheel slips correctly in and then close it.
looks like right dropout bent in, straighten with crescent wrench.
You checked if wheel not trued by flipping, cassette on left, good idea.
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Can check frame, strings from headtube to rear dropouts. Is seat tube equally between them? Can cold set steel if off, idk about alu (most would say no, idk .)
I think you understand the system well, to me the frame is toast. I’m sure there are some talented body workers who could bend it manually, but it’d be super tricky to get right, you need a gauge or jig or something, not worth the time
Just file the slot in your non-drive side dropout so the wheel comes back to center.
Take it to a bike shop, they’ll have a frame alignment gauge like Park FAG-2, and they’ll be able to tell you. You can also check with string and ruler, as [shown here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUPAKqS3dt8).
To know for sure if your frame is bent, you can use a frame alignment tool, but it’s highly unlikely you have one.
What you probably have is string, which you can use to get an idea if your frame is bent. You run it from one dropout, around the head tube and back to the other dropout. You can then measure the distance on each side to the seatpost to check.
https://youtu.be/dUPAKqS3dt8?si=NhiY7cYT1-pjSbM7
RJ has a video on this.
If your frame is bent, and it’s aluminum (which your frame probably is) there isn’t much you can do to fix that, as you should not try to straighten an aluminum frame.
Make sure the springs on the QR are positioned correctly. There should be one on each side and the smaller side should face the hub and they should taper out.
You can also put the wheel(s) in flipped/backward to confirm it’s not the wheel dish. That’s a quick and easy check. If it’s the wheel, it will be a different offset each way. If it’s the frame, it will be the same.
You might need to dish your wheel to one side.
I would look at the inside of the triangle right behind the bottom bracket to check if the chain stays are crooked. It will be obvious in there.
But im willing to bet ten bux that you just need to dish the wheel over to get it centered in the rear traiangle.