Achieved a personal milestone but need help on a bike issue

[dsquare]

I achieved a milestone this past weekend. 3 years ago, a friend got me started on road cycling; at that time, a 15 mile ride was tough. I worked at it and rode my first metric century. 2 years ago, I rode a few metric centuries and finished a century. Last year, I rode a few centuries. This year, I trained and I completed my first double century (Solvang Double Century) and my goal is to qualify for the CA Triple Crown. I owe a lot to cycling...I lost 35 lbs, lost my pot gut, down to about 12% fat, and I'm fitter than guys 20 years younger than me at work.

I have a dumb(?) question though. During the double century ride, my bike started leaning to the left. It wasn't due to the wind. I tried adjusting my weight distribution, putting more weight on the right pedal then the left pedal, tried pushing the handlebars with my right arm but nothing worked. The lean was so bad that my left knee was hitting the top tube while I was pedaling. I checked the wheels to make sure they were aligned.

I had my bike professionally fitted at a LBS (BG fit). Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[DirtyWorks]

First, congratulations. You've come a long way. I only ask you consider taking a few non-cycling breaks with people you want to be around for a couple weeks after your next double.

I have a selfish motivation for the above suggestion. I've seen too many burn out on the time/energy and enthusiasm. I'd rather have you posting 10 years from now and doing a little less volume right now and keep the enthusiasm high and life balance good.

Second, when you ride this thing it steers left if you take your hands off the bars? I'd have the frame and fork alignment checked.

Mods, you may want to move the thread to the "Bikes and Gear" sub-forum.

 

[alitogata]

Have you checked your fork? What kind of fork is this? What material is made of? Perhaps you hit a road pothole and your fork lost its alignment. Don't ride the bike unless you check the fork .. it might be dangerous.

 

[JayKosta]

Does the 'bike lean' happen now when you ride, or was it only DURING the long ride?

If only during the long ride, then probably due to fatigue, inadequate hydration, low electrolytes, lack of food, etc.

If the lean is still happening, then check frame & fork alignment, headset operation, pedal axle straightness, crankarm straightness, wheel bearings for smooth rotation and no rim side-to-side looseness.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[hiero2]

I'll 2nd JayK's answer, and add that if you are still seeing the lean, after the big ride, a trip to your local bike shop would be a good thing. Since you've been spending your time riding, my guess is you are still learning about the mechanical side of things, and it sounds to me like something mechanical. Which would include wheel alignment in the dropouts, that sort of thing.

 

[winkybiker]

Don't ride your bike until you've had it checked. Sounds weird. Possibly something (dangerous) in the process of breaking.