Re-aligning an aluminium frame

roke2468

My rear wheel is not sitting centre in the chainstays (dished correct). Running a string from each chainstay around head tube, there is a 5mm difference between left and right sides measured from string to seatpost.

I am considering:

(a) re-aligning the frame - either myself using some 2x4 lumbar, or in the local bikeshop using a jig (nervous of this as they seem to be muppets in all the bike shops near me)

(b) leaving frame as is and redishing the wheel to suit the misalignment.

I want a good ride, but I do not want to weaken the frame. Will I significantly weaken the frame by bending it back? Will riding the frame out of alignment mean that it will have to absorb slightly different forces that it was not designed for... thus increasing likelihood of failure?

It is a Specialized S-Works hardtail... M4 aluminium... and I presume designed so as not to be 'over-engineered' as it is a XC racing bike...

Any advice, experiences much appreciated.

Ro

nicklouse

TBH i would take it to a Spesh. dealer for checking.

just bending it is NOT an option.

Splasher

Did you buy the frame new and/or has it had an incident that caused this?

Bending an age hardened aluminium frame is like to cause cracking, either immediate and catasrophic or possibly worse just a crack initiator which then propogates as you ride and fails when you least expect it.

allthegearnoidea

i would have thought it best to contact the frame maker about it as i wouldnt want to try and fix it if i could possibly cause more damage to it! especially if there is an option that the frame makers might be avle to sort it?? but again i suppose it depends on how old the frame is, what its worth to you etc???
as an analagy, no point spending £1000 to get a £300 car through the mot!

mattv

Some bikes I have seen come through work have had wheels out of dish and an asymmetrical frame! Make sure it is not supposed to be off-square before you go bending it!