Continuing on with our diagnosis………

What’s Loose?: After running through the shifting and making any notes as to any odd shifting problems, we want to double check for loose parts. (Refer to the “Drop Test” from the last post) If you found anything loose doing The Drop test, now is the time to confirm your suspicions.

To Check Wheels: Grab a wheel at 12 o’clock and either the frame, (if it is a rear wheel) or fork with the other hand. Try to “rock” the wheel laterally while holding the frame/fork steady with the other. You might feel a “knocking” or you may be able to see the wheel move. Note this on your paper. Repeat the procedure for the opposite wheel.

To Check The Head Set: Grab one fork leg with one hand and the handle bar on the opposite side. This might work best with the front wheel slightly turned. With one fork leg and the handle bar, try to rock the fork laterally and front to back. If you discern any looseness or knocks, make a note of this.

To Check The Bottom Bracket: Grasp each pedal with your hands and try to rock the crankset laterally. Note any looseness on your notepad.

Wheels: Spin each wheel and notice the space between the brake pads and rim on one side. As the wheel spins, see if you notice that space between the pad and rim getting less in one spot or wider. This might not be necessary because the wheel may be actually hitting a brake pad! Either way, if you see the space between the pad and the rim vary a lot, you will need to true your wheel.

That should be a wrap on our diagnosis. Next post, we’ll dive in to our adjustments.