Rear Wheel Offset - Confirmation of my thoughts

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Dellis

Dellis

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Before I start I’m not after any specific measurements just a check on my methodology before I get my rear wheel re laced.

Currently the rear wheel is not on the centreline of the bike but is left of centre. With a combination of straight edges and a laser level I have measured the misalignment to be 1/2” left (as your sitting on the bike) of the centreline. When I come to measure the rim to hub offset it’s 1/4” to the left. Now from what I’ve read the offset should be to the right and by around 1/4”. I have measured, remeasured and remeasured several times more to be 100% certain that my measurements are correct and the mis alignment is definitely 1/2”. I have also ensured the wheel is parallel the the frame before taking the measurements.

This leads me to the conclusion that whoever built the wheel has built it to the correct offset for the bike but in the wrong direction.

Are there any flaws to my thinking?

Thanks
Dave
 
Dellis said:
This leads me to the conclusion that whoever built the wheel has built it to the correct offset for the bike but in the wrong direction.

Are there any flaws to my thinking?
Click to expand...

No, I don't think so.
 
Dellis said:
Before I start I’m not after any specific measurements just a check on my methodology before I get my rear wheel re laced.

Currently the rear wheel is not on the centreline of the bike but is left of centre. With a combination of straight edges and a laser level I have measured the misalignment to be 1/2” left (as your sitting on the bike) of the centreline. When I come to measure the rim to hub offset it’s 1/4” to the left. Now from what I’ve read the offset should be to the right and by around 1/4”. I have measured, remeasured and remeasured several times more to be 100% certain that my measurements are correct and the mis alignment is definitely 1/2”. I have also ensured the wheel is parallel the the frame before taking the measurements.

This leads me to the conclusion that whoever built the wheel has built it to the correct offset for the bike but in the wrong direction.

Are there any flaws to my thinking?

Thanks
Dave
Click to expand...


Dave,
Hopefully who ever did the work put the correct spokes on the proper side of the wheel. My thinking is when you go to adjust the wheel you might not have enough thread/nipple contact on one side, and too much spoke sticking into the rim (if it will even adjust that far) on the other.
I had a problem with my rear rim that Les identifed as being a flipped rim. That caused broken spokes and extreme bends in the spokes at the nipples.
Pete
 
Thanks guys, I thought I was on the right line of thought but after all that measuring.... When it comes to spokes the wheel builder makes his own so if it needs spokes all is good.

Dave
 
Last edited:
dropped the wheel off this afternoon and it should be ready on Friday

Dave
 
A further update on the wheel alignment. I’ve always ensured the wheels were correctly aligned with one another and I expected some improvement after correctiong the rear wheel offset but the handling is transformed in particular stability, 80+ mph and any ridges in the road surface especially on long gentle curves would have the bike weaving, it’s now rock steady. For reference the rear wheel was 10mm to the left of centre.

I’m well chuffed.

Dave
 
L.A.B. said:
Have you noticed any difference in the handling?
Click to expand...
I was updating as you asked the question, I knew it would improve it but the difference in quite amazing. I’ve ridden 225 miles today from Cheshire through North & Mid Wales and home again so plenty of variety of both road surface and everything from single track to main roads so plenty to upset things but it is just so much better.

If anyone has a wheel that isn’t on the centreline get it sorted you really will notice the difference. Best £40 I’ve spent on the Commando.

Dave
 
I am amazed that your wheel could have been .5" too far to the left. Mine is correct and there is no spare room between tire and chain guard.
 
XTINCT said:
I am amazed that your wheel could have been .5" too far to the left. Mine is correct and there is no spare room between tire and chain guard.
Click to expand...
Mine was about 1/4” away from the chainguard

Oh and 10mm is 4/10” or 0.4” :)

Dave
 
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