Does this sound right...?

[flogster]

Have a Trek 7.2fx, had a couple of years now, only used for Commuting and nothing else, so all use has been on road or very short burst of towpath.

Recently I've started (due to working late) cycling to Waterloo and catching train home. What I've noticed is the the front wheel seemed very rigid when walking with the bike, to the point where it remains pointing dead ahead. Not sure why but this struck me as odd...

So on walking, I'd lift the front wheel off the ground and see if I could gently move the wheel left / right. Hope this explanation makes sense now...

If I lift the front wheel off the ground, holding the bike not at the handle bars with my right hand, I'd point the wheel out to the right, using the handle bars. Then slowly bring the wheel back to centre, to point to left.

When it gets to the middle, it feels like it's "slotting into place" and settles there, almost as if it has a groove to slip into.

The wheel does not move from pointing right to left in one fluid move (and vice versa to clarify), there's definitely a pause at the middle which, to me just seems odd, or I've been unaware of it if it's normal.


Is this normal behaviour or does it need looking at?


Thanks

 

[gregsid]

Head stock bearings? It's not right anyway. I have VERY limited mechanical knowledge. Someone here will know exactly what's wrong I'm sure.

Greg

 

[Sittingduck]

Sounds like the headset needs attention? Not sure if I would ride that, until you sort it... time to head off to an LBS maybe?

 

[Fab Foodie]

2 things, either an effect due to the brake/gear cables, but unlikely.
OR
A notched headset, you just need a new headset. If you imagine that 99% of the time, the wheel is pointing straight ahead-ish and so most of the pummeling from the road will be working and wearing the bearings and hammering the races in that position and so it gets 'notched' in that position.
Nothing to worry about as long as it's easily rotatable. Time for the LBS!

 

[oldroadman]

Headset bearings. Replacement is the answer, renew the lot, the steering should be smooth alll through. Cheap headsets are false economy, and adjustment is critical. Quite a few people leave them too loose (put the front brake on, push gently back and forward, if you feel a rocking from the forks it's loose. If it's too tight (quite common) then the movement is not easy and fluid, but requires a slight effort even with a wheel off the ground.
A decent LBS should be able to sort it out within an hour. But check carefully when you get it back, make sure the movement is smooth. Some roller bearing headsets can be super smooth, and may be worth a look.

 

[rusty bearing]

Yep, its the headset bearings. Probably the minimal amount of factory grease has now dissipated so it will need regreasing (best case) New balls and grease or new headset (worstcase)

 

[flogster]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

After I'd posted it I was on the train again going home and it does appear to be a 'groove' sensation even at left / right angles. Will call in at LBS near office tomorrow to get their thoughts.

One last thing, it feels fine to ride.....not wanting to put anyone on the spot but would opinion be that I ought to be okay for a few more commutes? As I say, no answers taken as "he said...."


Thanks again.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

After I'd posted it I was on the train again going home and it does appear to be a 'groove' sensation even at left / right angles. Will call in at LBS near office tomorrow to get their thoughts.

One last thing, it feels fine to ride.....not wanting to put anyone on the spot but would opinion be that I ought to be okay for a few more commutes? As I say, no answers taken as "he said...."


Thanks again.

My first bike was like this. It had a quill stem and a very dodgy headset. I had to use mole-grips to undo the locking nuts and reseat the headset after every ride. I still passed my Nat Standards Instructors Course on the behemoth though. y advice is not to ride it until it is sorted all it will take is for teh groove to get ever so slightly deeper and no steering