Checking out the bike after a disappointing sprint bike split – I was faster in a 1/2IM two weeks ago. My rear wheel was so married to my left brake pad I could only get 2/3 of a turn of free spin, argh. Wheel is true, no lateral movement at all, brake is properly centered. Worked on it prior to the race and I seemed good to go. The course was rough and I think that may have something to do with it. Don’t understand it though, that rear skewer was tight. Shifted ok. Frame is true. What would make a wheel migrate like that and difficult to center…took about 8x to get it set correctly post race.
Vibrations can do it. I’ve had it happen. That’s why I always give myself more clearance on race day. Check to make sure your caliper fixing bolt is tight.
Also, sometimes it can get snagged or bumped in transition. I carefully set mine up this morning and looked down during the race to see the front rubbing. I just opened the calipers. But assuming you can, I actually check my calipers at least once during the race just to make sure. It is easy to look at the back when you have a climb where are going slow. Just give a peek. If you practice, you can get good at spotting it. Then you can always reach back and spin the barrel adjuster or open the calipers during the race. Mastering in-race tweaks is a good skill…
I got to taking a closer look and noticed that as I close the skewer the wheel moves left off center. I’ve never had that problem before but I’ll pass it by my mech.
I hear you re transition mishaps, I’ve gotten a number of derailler hits. I think my bike has hit the ground once or twice.
Given my history with sharp objects I’m gonna have to think about caliper or barrel adjustment on the fly. I can feel my fingers in the spokes now. Good idea though about giving the calipers a little more breathing room for the race. Thanks