Frame Alignment - one for the mechanics!

Jess22
Jess22 Posts: 32
edited March 2014 in Workshop
Hi,

I bought a Ridley Orion in October last year and after riding an absolute max of 300, dry miles I took it to my LBS so they could take a look at the rear hub which seemed a bit rough. Turns out it was the freehub body....anyway as I knew this should be fine after only 300 miles I decided to take it to a friend who is also a qualified mechanic...he noticed that the rear wheel didn't look to be sitting square in the drop-outs. He checked it was correctly dished and said it was and then I tried another wheel and again it was sat significantly to the left.

He seems to think the frame isn't completely straight....although I believe him I wondered if anyone had any experience in this and how best to check?

I know this isn't always the best option but I did get it off chain reaction .... despite knowing myself it's better to support a bike shop it was an absolute steal of a price! Anyhows I don't want to have to send it back and forth unless I'm 100% certain there is an issue.

This is the best picture I can get ...cameras don't work as well as eyes. I can assure you that the wheel is correctly in the drops and that it has been checked and is absolutely fine.



If anyone has any (constructive) advice for a poor young lady please help :)

Comments

  • mitchgixer6
    mitchgixer6 Posts: 729
    Only way to properly check is in a frame jig.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    If the wheel is correctly dished, then frame alignment looks off. Scroll down a bit for the 'string test':
    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    With two known properly dished wheels still skewed after being fitted it's probably safe to say there is a problem. It could be as simple as a dropout needing some minor filing (check to see if your dropouts have any chips or gouges where the axle rests) or possibly the frame isn't straight but IMO you should ask CRC it to sort it out as it may been this way when new and should be covered under warranty. Call or email them with some photos to see what they are willing to do to correct it.
  • Jess22
    Jess22 Posts: 32
    Thanks guys... I tried string test and thought was out so took to LBS and they used park tool posh jiggy thingy and it's out by 4mm! Back to CRC it goes - hopefully will get sorted and I won't feel like i'm turning left all the time :)
  • pinno
    pinno Posts: 52,326
    I have been going around in circles for years.
    Let us know how you get on with CRC, it will be interesting to see what they say/do.

    In the meanwhile, do you get a courtesy bike to keep you going :D
    seanoconn - gruagach craic!