back wheel problem?

slip210
slip210 Posts: 18
edited May 2011 in Road beginners
Hi all, new to cycling, bought a raleigh pursuit which is perfect for my cycle to work in all conditions (except snow...), But.. when i was cleaning it & lubing chain, i noticed when i rotated the pedals to spread the lube the rear wheel has an imbalance, in vibrates up and down, the only way i can describe it is that it is like an unbalanced car wheel. i dont feel it on the road, and the wheel is not buckled or bent (visual check). Any ideas or solutions?

Thanks

Slip
Raleigh Pursuit (bulky bike bulky rider)
shimano shoes
rest is muddy fox or karrimor
really bright 1 watt cree headlight..

Comments

  • JamieRa
    JamieRa Posts: 82
    is it the whole wheel moving up and down, or just the tyre?
    if its just the tyre it probably isnt seated properly, let the tyre down and re-inflate and make sure it is seated properly.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,350
    the valve stem can add enough weight to cause a slight imbalance, it's probably just that

    btw if it's got the lock nut on the stem, and the cap on, you can remove them, they're not realy needed and it reduces the weight at that point
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    its usually the joint is heavier on sleeve joined rims because of the sleeve inside. usually opposite the valve so adding weight near the valve can help.
  • slip210
    slip210 Posts: 18
    Thanks for advice, as long as its nothing major to worry about...
    Raleigh Pursuit (bulky bike bulky rider)
    shimano shoes
    rest is muddy fox or karrimor
    really bright 1 watt cree headlight..
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    If you mean that it's visibly moving, then I'd go about it in this order:

    1. If you take the wheel out of the frame and turn the axle by hand, do both ends remain in the same position with respect to the hub? If they are twirling as you turn the axle, then you have a bent axle. If they remain concentric to the hub, then...

    2. Take the tyre and tube off, put the wheel in the frame and give it a spin. Is the wheel still bobbing up and down? If so, then your wheel needs re-truing. If it does not appear to be moving, then...

    3. Pop the tyre and tube back on. Run a little soapy water around the bead of the tyre before you put it on - this will help it to seat the bead during inflation. Inflate the tyre, pop the wheel back in the frame and give it a spin - is it bobbing again? If so, then your tyre isn't properly seated - this isn't a big problem, if it's not bothering you when riding then I wouldn't worry about it.
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