front wheel hop

[goggleboy]

As I gain speed, the front of my bike starts to do a hopping motion, not uncontrollably, but definently noticable. Do I need to chage my fork oil?

[Seanie]

What sort of speed are we talking?

[Dogma]

I'm thinking fork oil in most any condition except solid should prevent bouncing of a wheel that is balanced and true. That said, if you don't know how old your fork oil is, it may need changed anyway.

Of course, the wheel is balanced, right? It's the bike shown in your signature? Does the rim run true, or do you need to adjust the spokes?

[goggleboy]

I'm thinking fork oil in most any condition except solid should prevent bouncing of a wheel that is balanced and true. That said, if you don't know how old your fork oil is, it may need changed anyway.

Of course, the wheel is balanced, right? It's the bike shown in your signature? Does the rim run true, or do you need to adjust the spokes?

How would you balance a wheel? How would you adjust the spokes?
Its at a low speed, no more than 35mph
I should change the fork oil anyway, just worried if its something mechanical

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Wobbling and hopping at that low of a speed sounds kind of scary.

I always have my wheels/tires balanced when I get new tires mounted. The shop balances for free, lucky me.

Or you can do it like Mr. brwringer does: Balancing Tires

To true the wheel you'll need a spoke wrench and good eyeballs, adjusting each spoke until there is no wobble or hop in the rim and it is exactly straight and round.



Click the picture above for more info on these tools. For a quick guide to spoke wheel straightening: http://www.ehow.com/how_5575718_stra...cycle-rim.html

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Dogma]

Edit:

Cliff's simultaneous post is more informative than mine was...

[simon kuether]

Not being sarcastic here , but if you have to ask how to adjust or balance a spoked wheel , take it to someone that specialises in this black art . It can take a bit of skill and can be easy to balls up .
See if you can find someone willing to pass their knowledge on . Try a restorers club or British bike club . Those old buggers are usually only to keen to help out .
Good luck .
Cheers , Simon .

[81ZUKI75]

Damper Rod

When you change the fork oil, be sure to diassemble and clean the damper rod. If the ports are plugged it won't work .