Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


How can I tell if I've got a bent frame?
#1
Picked up a used "Eska" bike...rides okay, but seems a little, well, a little off-balance. Can't tell if the frame is bent or not...if it is bent, is it possible to get that fixed, or is it better to just scrap it?

  Reply
#2
String method:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

Also view the bike from the back or front and the wheels should be vertically parallel with each other.

Or / and - Without the mudguards ( if it has any) run a piece of string along the bike rims. The string should just touch the rims, or tires, in 4 places if the wheels are in line.

Front and back of each rim / tire. You will have to do his below the bottom bracket line.
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply
#3
Hmm...the wheels do not line up, but the string test worked..seems straight from there...could it be the forks?

  Reply
#4
Difficult to tell?

All you can do is go round the bike and see if you can find the "fault", Make sure the wheels are fitted properly in their dropouts. Loosen the wheels and gently lean on the bike to settle the wheels while you re-tighten them.

Check the handlebars are not twisted or one side lower than the other. The forks could be bent back slightly, which may not be obvious. The headset could also be worn making the bike feel funny.
Ride hard or ride home alone!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
4,199
06-02-2020, 07:16 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
4,774
06-23-2019, 01:51 PM
Last Post: MamboNumber5
 
33,835
09-24-2014, 01:25 PM
Last Post: cny-man
 
19,092
12-03-2013, 07:48 PM
Last Post: GeorgeET
 
19,909
11-04-2013, 09:02 PM
Last Post: billy247
 
61,443
04-28-2013, 11:24 AM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
8,680
03-24-2013, 12:45 PM
Last Post: dweenk
 
14,736
08-18-2012, 10:13 PM
Last Post: deep

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Post-Ride Nutrition
Yesterday 01:16 PM
find a cycling buddy?
06-20-2025 03:17 PM
First long distance ride..
06-19-2025 09:06 PM
How often check or change mechanical dis...
06-19-2025 08:59 PM
Pre Ride Food Intake
06-19-2025 07:22 AM
New Member
06-19-2025 07:20 AM
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
06-19-2025 12:27 AM
Pros & Cons of presta valve vs schrader ...
06-19-2025 12:16 AM
1987 Tommaso Alloy lugged frame
06-18-2025 09:05 PM
Thoughts on paceline riding
06-18-2025 09:56 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Flowrider
17 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
16 posts
no avatar 3. Criminal
16 posts
no avatar 4. rydabent
15 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
13 posts