Explain to me what wheel flex feels like. I recently switched bikes (frame/wheelset/tires/etc) and occasionally notice what feels like my rear triangle sliding around like it was on ice or a very slick surface. I know there is little to no chance of me flexing the frame, and I've never seen any fresh/hot tar/oil/etc on the roads when it happens, and typically its not when I'm putting out a lot of power, more spinning along around with my normal cadence (100ish). I've never felt it when I'm out of the saddle mashing, which is when I would imagine I would feel flex. FWIW I'm riding a Look 585 frameset with Neuvation R28-SL2 wheels and Michelin Pro Race 2 tires (105 psi). My previous bike was a Cannondale CAAD 7 with Kysrium Elites and Michelin Carbon tires (105 psi). I would switch the rear wheel but I also made the switch from Shimano to Campy. So, what am I feeling, is it wheel flex, or am I just imagining things? Thanks

That sounds more like something mechanical than wheel flex. You checked yer frame for cracks?

HTH,

M

The frame is in perfect structural shape.

Find a Wal-Mart bike. Put some clipless pedals on it. Sprint the hell out of it. That's what wheel flex feels like.

Find a Wal-Mart bike. Put some clipless pedals on it. Sprint the hell out of it. That's what wheel flex feels like.

Hmm... A Wal-Mart bike is likely to have a heavy rim and lots of thick spokes (probably straight gauge). My guess is that a Wal-Mart bike will have wheels that are pretty stiff - certainly stiffer than, say Ksyrium wheels, which, while far more expensive, are very flexy.

Hmm... A Wal-Mart bike is likely to have a heavy rim and lots of thick spokes (probably straight gauge). My guess is that a Wal-Mart bike will have wheels that are pretty stiff - certainly stiffer than, say Ksyrium wheels, which, while far more expensive, are very flexy.
My experience has been that if I put a hard sprinting effort in on a wal-mart bike the wheels will actually rub the brake pads due to their flexing. They've got heavy stuff, but they're made of low quality materials. Additionally, the tension on the spokes is alarmingly inconsistent, the byproduct of inconsistent grain structure and automated construction.

Oh, and the other thing is the wheel doesn't rub the seat/chain stays, brakes, derailer etc when I notice this which I would assume it would do if the wheel is flexing. I think I am just losing my marbles.