need help with maybe a tire issue?

[Eric R]

I just noticed when I'm riding that when i turn left or swerve to the left, I feel like a rubbing or "grinding" feeling coming up through the bars. I don't get the feeling when going straight or to the right. It doesn't affect handling, but I'm sure its not "normal". Air pressure on tires are where it should be, however the center of the tires and a half inch to either side is slightly raised above the sides of the tires. My friend told me this is normal for a bike this heavy and big True? The bike tracks true and brakes straight and doesn't pull to either side. checked all bolts axle etc. All torque specs are correct. Am I missing something or has anybody ever felt this before? Thanks for any info or advice!

 

[EricV]

How many miles on the bike? How many miles on the tires? What tire pressures are you running F & R?

When you apply the front brake for the first time after riding a while, does it feel different? Like it has to 'pump up' but is then normal after that?

Have you removed the wheel and checked to see if the bearings are smooth?

Does it feel the same when you lean or swerve RIGHT?

 

[arjayes]

When the bike is stationary can you turn your handlebars to the stops in both directions without any difference in resistance? This sounds like tight brake lines or cables to me. Can't think of anything else that would be different from one side to the other. A taught line from the front wheel, for example, could easily transmit vibes to the handlebars that aren't there when the lines are slack.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Answering EricV's questions will help a lot, but a big clue is your visual description of the tire. It sounds simply like a worn tire that is starting to cup. That's just wear and not a bad thing.


With the bike on the center stand and tire able to spin, rotate it slowly by hand and feel for grinding in the bearings. It's highly doubtful you'll feel any grinding or roughness, but if you do then try again with the brake pads off of the disc. (Press the pads back or remove the caliper) Grinding bearings are bad and would need to be addressed.

 

[Brick]

Sounds to me like a possible wheel bearing.


Let's Ride!
Brick

 

[Chuck B]

Sounds like a cupped front tire...

 

[EricV]

Sounds like a cupped front tire...

It may indeed be that simple. But internet descriptions often vary so much that one person's 'grinding' is another's 'vibration'. W/O more info, we're all just guessing based upon our own experience. I'm guessing the OP doesn't have email notification set up.

 

[Cycledude]

Sounds like a cupped front tire...

Cupped tires front, rear or both would be my guess. When you lean the noise starts and goes away when not leaned, very common issue with cupped tires.

 

[Ramseybella]

Any photos of your tire tread? Front cupping is when my ride starts to give me issues.
I let my front tire go low on air for to long once Shinko 804 and it was to late once it had a bad cup started even after I corrected the air pressure.
Change your rubbers.