Is this a problem? (fixable in Brighton?)

[Bats]

I would say first things first, take the wheels off, and check see if the frame isn't bent. If it is it's easy to fix. Only takes string, a ruler, and a plank of wood.

http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

 

[stringfellow1946]

1st & easiest Job is take the tyre off (its the rim & wheel you are checking) it has to come off to check the dishing anyway & take it to your local bike shop to get it checked.
2nd Do NOT move spacers from one side of the hub to the other as this WILL affect the dishing.

if you want to check things yourself First!!,
For horizontal rear dropouts, NOT Vertical rear dropouts (without adjusters)
Adjust the rear dropout screws so that the wheel sits in the centre of the chain stays, have a look at the dropout adjusters & they should more or less be the same amount in/ out of the frame. Assuming they are both the same length screws.
With the wheel in the centre of the chain stays the centre of the rim should now sit directly under the rear brake mounting hole. (remove the rear brake to check this) if not then get the wheel dishing checked.

 

[Robbied196]

If its definitely centered with the brake caliper then the non drive side of the axle needs to come forward in the drop out. However, if that works and the non drive side is much further forward in the drop out than the drive side, there must be a twist in the frame. It would be worth removing the brake caliper and tyre, then check the rim lines up and spins centrally with the caliper hole just to be sure. Sometimes you can get an optical illusion with the caliper fitted. If its all central, the spacing and the dishing must be right.

:roll: kind of a double post with stringfellow1946, I was reading page 1

 

[jaypee]

Really useful advice chaps, thanks. The Sheldon article is interesting too - I've chucked frames in the past.

The string test suggests the frame is straight so I'm guessing it's the wheel. I only had 5 mins in my lunchbreak so anything further will have to wait. It's an 8 speed hub - 130mm OLD.

 

[Robbied196]

It looks slightly over to the drive side. But that doesn't really explain why its so close to the chainstay. Its best to centre the rim between the chainstays its even worth using a ruler to make sure you have the same gap on each side, then lock your QR lever. Then see if the rim is running central to the brake caliper hole.

Hard to tell from photo's but I don't think it will be that far out, you maybe lucky and just need to swap an axle spacer from the non drive to the drive side

 

[torqueless]

That is plain weird. :? Judging from your original photos the axle is close to correct alignment in the dropouts. If you centred the rim, either by axle-spacer juggling, or by tightening the drive-side spokes and slackening the non-drive-side, it looks like it would pull the rim off-centre between the seatstays. The wheel looks to have plenty dish as it is- wouldn't want to give it more..

Either your frame is out of alignment, your rim is not centred, or you are in a spatial anomaly/glitch in the Matrix... :shock:

 

[jaypee]

Looking at the pics I'm starting to think it may just be the way the wheel is fixed into the dropouts after all. I'm not sure that adjusting that would make much difference
to the brake caliper alignment. Will give it a try.

 

[stringfellow1946]

You need to get that tyre OFF first job.
Then check the adjusters in the rear dropouts are the same. (possible that the wheel is not all the way back in the gear side dropout) some times they get damaged & need filing out so the wheel axel moves freely in them
It looks to me, from your photos that it needs correcting with the rear adjusters as the wheel looks centred under the brake mounting bolt (BUT you will only if know thats correct when the tyre is removed) & like I said before get the wheel dishing checked at your LBS

 

[jaypee]

I'm presuming the drop outs are vertical ? If not may be just a simple case of adjusting the screws in the end of the drop outs

First prize goes to Mike and I'll sit in the corner with a dunce cap on! It just needed the adjuster screws adjusted.

I assumed because it was centred on the brake that to straighten it at the chainstay would put the brake alignment out but not at all. Can't really understand why someone set it up the way they did - unless it just moved over time.

In due course I'll check the other points you all raised but for now, by eye, it's spot on.

Mystery solved, thanks for all the contributions.

 

[Robbied196]

Check your QR lever is clamping properly. Its doubtful the wheel has been installed off centre but that riding it has skewed the wheel. Check the visible threaded outer ends of the axle aren't longer than the thickness of the drop outs, or the clamp can't clamp

Also make sure it has a firm tension as you lock across.