As referenced in a previous post, I've been having problems with chainsuck. It bit me big time today as I was in the park with my nephew, he's 6 and I'm teaching him how to ride. He absolutely loves watching Danny MacAskill and the like, so I was showing off and jumping over a small ridge. The first couple of attempt went well, so on the third I thought I'd take a longer run up to a steeper take-off. Unfortunately as I put the power down, the back wheel locked solid and I was pitched forward. I hung on for grim death as I went over the front, convinced if I kept off the brakes and moved back enough, I could rescue it – but it was not to be. Momentum was too much and in what seemed like slow motion (and in ful view of everyone in the park) I went ignominiously over the bars, still clipped into my SPDs.
As this is the fourth or fifth time the wheel has locked up in the last couple of rides I got a bit peeved and turned the bike upside down to take a good look at the chainset. Before I could do so though, something else caught my eye – it turns out I've been looking in the wrong place
Now, I know pictures aren't always easy to make out, but I reckon even from that picture it's obvious that the wheel is nowhere near centralised. Looks like when I bent the gear hanger in a crash last year (rear meach was pointing upwards!), the dropout got splayed and the wheel has been running at an angle ever since. The splay has probably been getting worse and worse with the repeated strain, I'm not the smoothest of riders.
Bummer, anyone know if I can get it repaired for a reasonable cost? Either bent back into shape or chopped and replaced? it's an 835 inbred, so not something I'd want to throw away if I don't have to.