You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Just sorting my bike for a ride tomorrow morning and I noticed that there seems to be a couple mm play in the rear wheel. The wheel still spins freely but it looks like the axle is moving within the hub. It's a Shimano XT hub on an Alex SX-44 rim.
So can I get away with riding on it tomorrow before taking it to the bike shop, or will I die?
Cheers
I had that and found it was the cone working lose. I'd see if you can scavenge some cone spanners and get it sorted before you ride, mine got worse and I had to abort my ride - I really didn't feel safe with it moving like that.
You're unlikely to die but it's not good for the hub, and can get worse surprisingly quickly. Well worth owning the tools so you can sort it yourself tbh
NW can you check your e-mail re the FS thread?
(Sorry for the hijack)
Thanks, I'll see if I can get sorted before riding.
what northwind said, if its in good condition a bit of grease and adjustment will sort it our.
But if the bearings/cones are already stuffed there'll be nothing you can do before you ride.
Might as well ride it.
Sometimes you can tighten up the cone by hand. Will last most of the ride
Really is so easy to nip the loose cone up before you ride, you just need to find a cone spanner.
Just be careful you don't over do it as there's supposed to be a little play in the axle before you do up the quick release.
Not a good idea to ride with it loose, as said above it is surprising how quick things can get worse and you could end up needing a new hub and wheel build.
I was riding a cabbaged SLX that had play for weeks now, had to keep tightening it only for it to loosen up within a few miles, however I didn't die, and I'm a heavy guy. So I think you'll live!
Ditched it for a Hope hub today though. 😀
You are unlikely to die. Worst case scenario is the axle snaps but even then the wheel should stay in place. There is a good chance of trashing the cone surfaces in the bearings and the bearings. A good LBS should be able to get replacements. However, by the time you've added labour etc. it'll cost a few pounds (£30ish when I worked for Halfrauds although that was 7 years ago).
As others have said I recommend getting a pair of cone spanners (I use Pedros over Park now) and learn to adjust them. You tube should show you how.
I'd also recommend ditching shimano hubs if you have the moment in favour of something with cartdge bearings like Hopes. Saves a lot of headaches in the long run.