H
Howard Neckel
Guest
I have experienced front wheel shimmy about four times,
always at high speed (over 40 mph), sometimes with cross
winds, sometimes not. I think the bike itself is pretty
solid --- that is, nothing wrong with
it. But from the posts, I'll have it double-checked for
spoke tension and headset adjustment.
But say I just have to live with it. Never going fast is not
an attractive option. So what should I do when it occurs? So
far, an accident has not been inevitable (the first four
times), but I am scared shitless and certain my life is
about to end. Do most people manage to retain control? Are
crashes actually rare?
I have been so scared I'm not sure how I handled it. I
remember telling myself "do not panic!". I bring my speed
back down, only using the rear brake. Most of the time I
bring the bike to a stop, so that my body can continue
"shimmying" in abject fear for a few minutes until I'm ready
to ride again. Though not particular religious, sometimes I
pray and thank God to be still alive.
Is it possible to control the bike while it is shimmying?
My worst experience was on a 50 mph descent, with a very
significant bend in the road just ahead of me. I was sure
I was going to go over the embankment. I stopped just
short of it.
The posts on the causes of shimmy are really interesting,
but the bottom line is surviving it. I'm interested in any
and all tips. Thanks!
always at high speed (over 40 mph), sometimes with cross
winds, sometimes not. I think the bike itself is pretty
solid --- that is, nothing wrong with
it. But from the posts, I'll have it double-checked for
spoke tension and headset adjustment.
But say I just have to live with it. Never going fast is not
an attractive option. So what should I do when it occurs? So
far, an accident has not been inevitable (the first four
times), but I am scared shitless and certain my life is
about to end. Do most people manage to retain control? Are
crashes actually rare?
I have been so scared I'm not sure how I handled it. I
remember telling myself "do not panic!". I bring my speed
back down, only using the rear brake. Most of the time I
bring the bike to a stop, so that my body can continue
"shimmying" in abject fear for a few minutes until I'm ready
to ride again. Though not particular religious, sometimes I
pray and thank God to be still alive.
Is it possible to control the bike while it is shimmying?
My worst experience was on a 50 mph descent, with a very
significant bend in the road just ahead of me. I was sure
I was going to go over the embankment. I stopped just
short of it.
The posts on the causes of shimmy are really interesting,
but the bottom line is surviving it. I'm interested in any
and all tips. Thanks!