Wheel alignment/Chain Tension etc etc

[Boomer]

Before I start I would like to say that when it comes to anything mechanical I am a complete doofus so please bear this in mind when/if answering.

What method do you use to align your wheels on the Bird?
Piece of String
Plank of wood
Home made laser alignment kit
Use the notches on the swing arms

The reason I ask is that I never really feel that I get it quite right :bang:. I generally use the notches as an indicator, but then someone told me the other day that they aren’t very accurate. I tried the string method once and unless your front wheel is facing dead ahead then I can’t see it working and how do you know the front wheel isn’t a couple of mil out.
The other method I use is to try and get the chain tension the same all the way round, but that doesn’t seem very accurate either as chains generally have a tight spot.

How far out of alignment would the wheel have to be before it affects the handling?:dunno:

Would appreciate any helpful hints and tips.
:h

 

[chuck]

alignment

I use one of those measuring things (I call it a mirometer but not sure if thats the right name) that have two points to measure with reading. Bit like a fancy school compass. Come to think of it the school compass would be just as accurate. I'm a bit of a mechanical incompetent as well but my engineer neighbour came up with the idea. Seems to work for me. Only problem I have is the chain seems to slacken with monotomous regularity like evey couple of hundred miles. Maybe time for new chain?? Have done 15K. :dunno:

 

[blumeeni]

Home made laser does the job in seconds and really shows up how inaccurate the adjuster markings are

 

[Geoff James]

Have a look under the Tech Concerns on the Home Page. It's got the laser alignment tool I built a couple of years ago. Really quick to make and does a fast and accurate job.

Cheers

Geoff

 

[Centaur]

Lazer

I made up my own lazer (Thanks Geoff) and it works a treat. If you are constantly having to adjust your chain it's time for a Scott-oiler. Apart from alignment (once) never been adjusted in 12000 miles. :bow: :beer:

 

[Geoff James]

Hi Bill

Totally agree with you - that's my experience too. The only time I check it is when I have new rubber put on as the results are variable, even from the same tyre supplier. Just had new tyres put on and the alignment was perfect. The time before, it was a mile out.

Cheers

Geoff

 

[Jaws]

My chain now has 23000 miles on it.. it has been adjusted about 3 times from new.. and yes, I too use a home laser thingy

Scottoilers rule ( esp for lazy sods like me ! )

 

[blumeeni]

Top Guy Geoff,I made mine after seeing the one you made :bow:
I too use a scot oiler my chain hardly ever needs adjusting and it's done 26000m I can't understand peeps that winge they're c&s are fooked after 10-15k when fitting a scot oiler would at least double the life of them.

 

[Boomer]

Thanks chaps

Looks like I might have to make me one of those laser thingys then.

 

[stan the man]

me..............

i just get blu to do it for me :blush:

 

[Steve Walker]

I actually got round to making the target part of the laser alignment tool last weekend. I'm blowed if I can get hold of a laser pointer or laser level in my area though. I adjusted my chain last week and I just know the alignment is out even though the marks say it isn't. :bang:

 

[blumeeni]

I actually got round to making the target part of the laser alignment tool last weekend. I'm blowed if I can get hold of a laser pointer or laser level in my area though. I adjusted my chain last week and I just know the alignment is out even though the marks say it isn't. :bang:

Steve try maplins for a pencil type laser about ?8 or like I did b&q which was expensive cost me ?40 but works a treat and is very clear I got two one for each side of the bike which wasn't really necessary but what the fukc it's only money and you can't take it with ya

 

[Steve Walker]

Cheers Blumeeni,
There is a Maplins along the road from work, I'll pop in there. Don't know why I didn't think of them. Der.

Found some pretty impressive green ones on the www that you can point to stars with but ?25,000 was a little too expensive. Lol.

 

[ianrobbo1]

try a toy shop, I got a laser for a couple of quid it has all manner of "pretty" shape lenses, thing is it does the job !! and its easy to get hold of,!! :bow: