Was out on a ride yesterday on my 2015 V4, had a slight off down a rocky step (nothing major), continued riding. Ride through a river and onto a fire road. This is where I notice my steering is feeling a bit odd;
Steering pulls to the right, then the left in a constant rhythmic cycle. It's very obvious if you take your hands off the bars. Quite a strange sensation.
I've had something similar before on my road bike so I instantly thought "headset". Dropped the forks today (Marzochi 350cr), took the headset apart (Hope) and cleaned / regreased and put it back together. Took it for a test ride and it's exactly the same. The headset looks in good condition and I couldn't see any problems visually.
Next I changed my slightly out of true front wheel over to a spare one I had. Another test ride and nothing had changed, still pulling left and right.
Took my rear wheel off to check it. The bearing in the hub feel pretty rough / slow.
Could that cause my steering to wander as described above? Any other input would be greatly appriciated.
Swapped to a shorter stem at any point?
I reckon it could be the bearings at the rear. Perhaps they increased friction pulls at the front end causing it to drift? Though you might have thought the suspension would have soaked that up. Fascinating things bike eh
Does it happen when you're pedalling or coasting, or both?
Did you use the same tyre on the spare front wheel or different?
Thanks for the replies so far:
"Swapped to a shorter stem at any point?"
I did about 2 months ago but i've ridden it since with no issues. It's currently got a 35mm stem and previously had a 50mm.
"I reckon it could be the bearings at the rear. Perhaps they increased friction pulls at the front end causing it to drift? Though you might have thought the suspension would have soaked that up. Fascinating things bike eh"
Fingers crossed it's the bearings and i've not bent my fork / frame.
"Does it happen when you're pedalling or coasting, or both?"
Happens during both.
"Did you use the same tyre on the spare front wheel or different?"
Same tyre. I've got another few lying about I could throw on to try it.
If you spin the front wheel does the tyre look ok and not deformed?
Try a different tyre, I've buckled one previously (Hans Dampf supergravity - first day out on it too!)
Yes, if the threads in the tyre have broken at one point it will deform unevenly - it might not be noticeable with no pressure on it, but it usually is.
Definitely worth ruling out tyre damage/deformation as that's an easy fix.
Edit: Like what they said^^
I'll swap out the tyre tonight and give it a whirl!
Maybe swap out the rider too just to be sure?
"Maybe swap out the rider too just to be sure?"
Already tried that in case I had too much to drink over Christmas and affected my balance.... 🙂
My bearings were shot after 10 months on my 2015 V4, so thats the first thing i'd check
Cracked/snapped frames ride like that...have a close look at it.
Is the rear axle bent, or snapped? Pull the hub apart, or try with a different rear wheel. They can snap and still "work"
Further things have been checked / ruled out:
Alternative front tyre fitted - No affect on steering problem.
Checked the frame/forks for cracks - None visable.
Pulled the rear shock off, checked over the pivots and nipped up anything loose. One of the bolts was a tad loose. - No affect on steering problem.
With the shock out, I had a feel of the pivot movement; one feels a bit notchy / rough but it's not that bad. Everything else felt smooth. Can't see this being the problem as it happens even on a smooth tarmac road.
Pulled both axles. Visually, can't see anything wrong with them.
Next steps:
Borrowing a rear wheel from a friend tomorrow to try that out....
blairc70 - Did you get any steering problems due to the bearings? What were the symptoms?
No steering issues I noticed. If you pick up the back end of the the bike it will have movement / play where there shouldn't be any. The factory bearings are of poor quality and the wrong type for frames. The small 4 at the back were in the worst state but I changed them all. Don't think you will be able to feel it just sat on the bike, but if all the drive side bearing are totally shot its not going to help. Check all the bolts are done up tight first.
No solution as yet....
Tested my friends brand new back wheel. No difference.
Fitted the original 50mm stem back on. No difference.
Now back to thinking the headset must the issue. I sent Hope and email to make sure I'm putting it together in the right order but I'm pretty sure I have done. Tempted to order another headset even tho it looks mint.
Failing that it must be the forks or frame that are bent but I can't see any signs of it.
Could be onto a winner here..... Fork bushings?
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/463933/
Helps if you have sound on.
Anyone care to comment? I assume that's not normal? Can't say i've ever tried this technique on a bike before now though.
doesn't look right that, have you any spare forks to try swapping out ? Send them back?