Too much weight over the front wheel....

Jackso11
Jackso11 Posts: 6
edited September 2008 in MTB general
I have just built an mtb from parts from all over the place, first time I have even owned a bike in years and wanted to know it inside out....and like building things from the ground up. My problem is that it feels like I am leaning too far forwards on the bike. As if the angle of the front fors is incorrect, but as the bearing sits straight on the crown of the forks, I don't see how this can be adjusted in anyway?
It kind of feels like the front is too low. How can I change this? without getting different forks and just jacking it up?
I have no suspension on the front, just straight forks.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    so what is the frame?

    is it designed for suspension?

    Pics...
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Jackso11
    Jackso11 Posts: 6
    I will get some pics up asap.

    As its my first bike in a while I have not built a really good expensive bike, got parts cheap from ebay. and tartybikes website. The frame....I am not sure what it is. I got it second hand off ebay and the previous owner had stripped off all stickers and labels so its just plain black. I will try and find out. He did tell me at the time but it was a while ago and my memory is rubbish!

    I think I am about to find out that there is more to building a bike than I thought. haha. Oh well, I did it so I would know how to do thinks for future...learning curve and all that!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    try and get a good photo from the side of the whole bike. which will give us an idea of the angles.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 3,983
    Frames are designed around the fork they're intended to work with, so if the forks too short it's too short.

    Things you can do to get around this would be to change the stem to one with a greater upward angle and put on riser bars with a greater sweep. You will still however have ultra responive steering if the head angle is too steep and the only way to change that is to change the forks.
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • Jackso11
    Jackso11 Posts: 6
    If changing the forks is the best option I have no problems with doing that. The angle is not correct at the front at the moment, I compared it to my house mates IDENTITI Dr.jekyll and my forks are angled too steep. Steering is ultra responsive too. Thing is when riding like this there is no way I would tackle a set of steps for example....I reckon I would go straight over the bars! Also, getting the front wheel up is damn near imposible!

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