CF Fork Shudder and used Trek OCLV

I tried out a used (2003 vintage) Trek OCLV bike that is a rebuild
with lots of new components (Ultegra STI shifters, brakes. SRAM
cassette, crank, chain, etc). Friend tells me the price is too good
to be true (~ $1100), but seller insists frame is sound and never been
in an accident. I couldn't find any visible damage. Honestly it felt
damn good, and much nicer than new aluminum bikes in this price range.

Only issue is that the fork shuddered quite a bit on a hard brake.
Seller says he will redue the headset assembly and make sure things
are tight and compact.

Gut tells me that anything to good to be true is, but the seller
seemed knowledgable and didn't seem shady (e.g. lived in a nice
neighborhood...had lots of expensive toys, etc.). Offered a complete
bike fit on a trainer and to go on a 5-10 mile ride with me.

What causes fork shudder?

Any red flags in buying a used carbon bike?

Only issue is that the fork shuddered quite a bit on a hard brake.
Seller says he will redue the headset assembly and make sure things
are tight and compact.


Try reversing the front wheel and see if the shudder changes. It could
be wheel related (a spot on the rim that grabs a bit). Also, is this a
very tall frame? Much more difficult to keep shudder under control on a
larger bike.

It could be as simple as a loose headset though. Easy to check for; do a
"bounce" test (drop the front wheel from a few inches to the ground and
see if you hear rattles, then tighten the headset slightly to see if the
noise goes away).

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


wrote in message
...
I tried out a used (2003 vintage) Trek OCLV bike that is a rebuild
with lots of new components (Ultegra STI shifters, brakes. SRAM
cassette, crank, chain, etc). Friend tells me the price is too good
to be true (~ $1100), but seller insists frame is sound and never been
in an accident. I couldn't find any visible damage. Honestly it felt
damn good, and much nicer than new aluminum bikes in this price range.

Only issue is that the fork shuddered quite a bit on a hard brake.
Seller says he will redue the headset assembly and make sure things
are tight and compact.

Gut tells me that anything to good to be true is, but the seller
seemed knowledgable and didn't seem shady (e.g. lived in a nice
neighborhood...had lots of expensive toys, etc.). Offered a complete
bike fit on a trainer and to go on a 5-10 mile ride with me.

What causes fork shudder?

Any red flags in buying a used carbon bike?