track/wheel alignment

[stoinkythepig]

What's the most foolproof way to check the alignment of the rear wheel? I spooned on a new tire last night and noticed the old tire was worn a little funny just off center. Thinking the rear wheel might be skewed a bit.

[Degsy]

Take a piece of string and mark it exactly halfway down it's lenght. Sit at the front of the bike and pass a piece of string from the front, round the back wheel halfway up the tire and back to the front of the bike. Pull the two ends of the string to take any elasticity out of them and keep the ends even with each other. The marked piece should be in the center of the rear tire.

Alternatively, you could use the marks on the swingarm. That's what I do, and although people say that they are not accurate, I have never had a problem. I only use my tires for 100 miles or so anyway.

Degs

[TLRMan]

Measure the distance from the centerline of the swingarm to the center of the rear axle. (this is if you don't have anything in the way....) You can make up a device that has 2 cones on a slider, that works well too. Also visually, check the chain on the rear sprocket. spin the rear wheel, and adjust until the chain is centered on the sprocket....

[legalspeed]

Mark:
Make us one.
Please. I've seen easy ones with a rod and two clampy things; you move one of the clampy things and check it against the other side.

[TLRMan]

Originally posted by legalspeed
Mark:
Make us one.
Please. I've seen easy ones with a rod and two clampy things; you move one of the clampy things and check it against the other side.

I should huh?
Lemme see if a can work something out....This is also gonna be a back burner job...with all the other crap I want to build....

[oreo_n2]

TLRman please build me... ...

chain break/rivet tool....... brent
tire thingy with cones....... legal speed
<add your name and thingy here>

[stoinkythepig]

Cheers.

I checked it (roughly) this morning and found the alignment out 1.5 mm at the axle. I suspect that's a lot and am perplexed at how I let that happen

[NHViffer]

On the street, your tires should wear off to one side (left, I think). This is because roads are typically crowned in the center for water run-off... I know people who do a lot of touring miles that have this happen. Of course my tires wear mostly at the edges...It's my story and I'll tell it the way I want!