wheels -slight play & smooth or no play & slightly scratchy?

[slomo]

I set my wheels' bearings with very minimal play at the axle, then stick them into the frame and lock the QRs properly. Then check the play and see if the tube valve has enough mass to start a rotation when it's at 1 'o clock. If it does, with no axle play, then all is fine & dandy , though it takes some fiddling usually and demands immaculate inside parts :facepalm: .

Impressive :shock:

The 'valve test' thing i mean.

I'll try it.

I'm sure i've read several times that it's the feel of the axle when the wheel is snugged into the frame that's important.
That is - a little bit of play with the wheel out of the frame is ok as the QR's/nuts take the play out of the bearings when tightened fully.

I maintain - i'm going with slightly fast and loose