Check And Align A Bike Frame

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@jonnyd8399]

Thank you RJ. I have an Aluminum frame that the shop told me is 8-10mm out of whack. I am told this frame is trash even-though it looks fine and the wheel goes in and out without issue. What do you think?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@jonnyd8399 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJm5lamBl8yJg5o

[@haldyordan2316]

Chromo prestige II frame ok to use this method?

[@WillEyedOney]

Nice to see the safety socks making another appearance :)

[@djohnson1981]

It may be two years old, but thanks for posting this. Just realigned a frame after spreading to 130mm. Only thing was I used a second 2x4 laid along the seat tube to help spread out the force.

[@Sekhmet6697]

I wouldn’t put sideways pressure on the seat tube, especially on thin walled chromoly tubing. I believe what frame builders do to fine tune the alignment after welding is put the bottom bracket in a vice.

[@Phyoomz]

you're my hero!

[@MrFragsinatra]

Hi RJ Your videos are fantastic! But when aligning a frame with that gauge, check first if the front triangle of that frame is ok. All four tubes, especially the seat tube and the steer tube, must be in the same plane in first place, before you start taking them as a reference for your gauge. Cheers

[@650gringo]

Yes I was just going to say the same thing. The main triangle can be off and should be corrected before anything else.

[@MuckingMunt]

This is a good comment. Even though a very quick check in itself; half the video would likely be filled with explaining the concept of a 'plane' and maybe suggesting a suitable, flat surface. I kinda think RJ likely has a LONG suggested/to do video list; and he just prioritises making producing them as he attempts jobs himself.

[@brunomoreira5014]

My bike has been driving me crazy. I suppose the frame is also out of true because the wheel cant align properly with the frame. I have an old caloi 10 bike frame converted into a fixed gear and I hope I can do what you showed. Thanks

[@BrilliantOrb]

Beautiful frame!

[@Soundafek]

Learned a lot from watching your videos RJ thanks for helping.

[@jimmytorpedo6690]

You are the Buddha of bike maintenance.

[@jeffreyhickman3871]

That’s a classic sign 🪧 of a bent frame 🖼️. Steel has more forgiveability than aluminum or titanium, with being able to bend it back. I’ve never 👎 had to worry about straightening a bent frame on any of my bicycles 🚴, but your video is VERY informative, if I ever need to. Aluminum bicycle frames can be bent back, but ya MUST re-strengthen the metal, through heating it, in a prescribed manner. That’s because aluminum bicycle frames are tempered. The fatigue factor of aluminum is also different than steel, so, your aluminum bike frame could break, if bent, even once. I can’t cover titanium, because I’m not familiar with it. Your friend, Jeff.

[@carloszambrano3227]

Gracias, excelente trabajo, saludos desde Mérida Venezuela..!

[@8day1989]

There's even easier way to check frame alignment: place some near perfectly flat wood/etc. at dropout and fork tube, then measure distance from that wood to seat tube, i.e. height of the triangle formed by dropout, seat tube and fork tube. P.S. I just realized you had another video that uses this very approach... Anyhow, I'll leave my comment.

[@faithinverity8523]

Nice work. Easy to understand. Thanks!

[@sinnu05]

RJ. Thanks for your bike stuff videos. couple of week ago, i randomly watched your vid and it motivated me to convert my old hardtrail to a road bike. since then i was following all your lesson vid to dissamble all the parts. now left the frame and fork paint job. thanks alot. im looking forward for more bike vid

[@abosamra8663]

amazing work RG i restored my vintage Peugeot bike using your videos thank you

[@khororeo8661]

video koyo ngene ki sek tak goleki ket wingi.. mantul bosku👍👍👌👌

[@blakenewton2781]

Mine is twisted pretty good. I had to straighten a chain stay then twist it slightly. With a bike as screwed up as this one, it requires a fine line between brute force and finesse. The " iron fist in the velvet glove". A bit at a time. There's a excellent book called " Engineer to Win" by Carroll Smith. While it is about racecar fabrication the principles are identical

[@flor.e.cultura]

Always the best videos. You are the best RJ!!!!!

[@MachineBound]

Great video, very informative! Hope someone else isn't responsible for washing your socks. They will not be happy.

[@geoffpoole483]

Hi RJ, I thought a frame might be out of alignment when I noticed that the rear brake bolt was off to one side rather than being central and directly above the centre of the tyre. The string technique revealed that the frames is out of alignment by a few mm. That's tomorrow's job sorted. Hope you're healing up well.

[@andyZ3500s]

The string technique has always been a great way to check your rear triangle. For the people that don't know how this works you want to use a string that will stretch. Yellow construction string works great. You want to tie the string to a rear dropout rap around the head tube pull the string tight and then tie it to the other dropout. Make sure that the string comes off the dropouts evenly and raps around the head tube evenly also. Then measure from the seat tube to the string on each side. For steal frames only.

[@rickc2222]

@@andyZ3500s Why does it matter if the frame is stolen? ;()))

[@steve-wu7jp]

great video! Do you have a video on b screw adjustment on the rear derailleur?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Sierra Nevada Not yet.

[@erikvonwerlhof]

Very good info!

[@goedelite]

The video would be very helpful to a bike repair mechanic who had never done a frame, rear-fork alignment. The tools required would a worthwhile investment, to be used many times. For the average bike rider, it is - at best - interesting.

[@angelantequera7539]

Excelent video. I have the same problem.

[@LaserrSharp]

You think it’s safe to spread an 85 Univega MTB frame from 126mm to 135mm? Chromoly triple butted. Thanks.

[@thebestaligirisken63]

efsane birisin adamım

[@davebinks]

A piece of string pulled tight from the head tube to the rear ends will also do to check. Just measure the gap between the string and the seat tube to see if they are the same. Obviously, make sure the string is going from the same parts of the frame! Then use the timber as his video shows. Save yourself the cost of a tool you'll only use once!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have a video showing that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moazcn6niJiXqpo Here is another option: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrFgZx3nsR-h8U

[@andrytriyanto5751]

Very usefull video. Thanks you very much, Sir. Regard, From Indonesia

[@Albanez39]

Hey RJ, I am using a long piece of wood to straighten my seat stays but to no success. I am pushing with all my force without damaging the welding spots, the triangle bends, but when I measure it the distances are the same as before. It's about 30.5mm on one side and 33.5mm on the other. The piece of wood bends itself a little, hence, I am not really putting much force to it. Should I try with a thick piece of metal? And add more force?

[@wallacepei4529]

Lisergiko I wouldn’t try using the metal as it may bend a dent into your seat tube. Hey RJ is it even possible with enough force that your 2 x 4 can dent the seat tube using the method shown on this video?

[@wallacepei4529]

Lisergiko maybe you need longer piece of wood for better leverage

[@vivivi..]

Will it do with MTBs too?? Mine's kinda disaligned a bit

[@CharlesFromage]

Is it possible to expand the chain stay width but not change the drop out distance? I have an old steel bike (2002 Raleigh Professional) and I'd like to gain some width at the chain stays to gain rim/tire clearance in the back--maybe 5-6 mm.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No.

[@OmarOrtiz-id4ud]

love the vid rj :-)

[@DVDSON90]

hey Rj.. thanks for video very usefull.. but may i ask.. a month ago mybike was hit by car, i had measure frame alignment with string.. yeah the rear triangle bend.. and i follow your method the " cold setting " and it works.. the rear triangle looks perfect now & the thing i want ask.. what should i do if the front triangle not centre? im affraid when i was hit by car not only rear triangle not centre.. but front too.. is the string method in measurement will give me best answer?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If your bike was hit by car. you should take it to a shop and have it inspected. If there is serious damage, that goes beyond this video. This video is for simple alignment.

[@brunomoreira5014]

I couldn't find any video talking about this in portuguese. I think there's no one in my city that does that work so I will try myself to align it if It's indeed the frameset that is bent over. I realised the fork was also bent, so It can possibly be the reason why I feel my bike goes a little to the left when I ride it without the hands. Mine is a Caloi 10 frameset turned into a fixed gear and single speed. Thanks for the video !!!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Yeah, is frame is out of alignment, it can pull. If fork is bent, you might want to replace it. Especially if it was bent in a collision. A damaged fork can be dangerous.

[@barssound]

I have a kids bike Aluminium frame that has bent a tiny bit due to being rolled over by a car slowly. Rear triangle pushed over to the drive side. Would love to figure a way of straightening it. But you reckon that's not possible with Alu?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN ALUMINUM FRAME. Replace it if it's bent much.

[@opelpower1611]

great video rj

[@ElliotFlowers]

Hey RJ. I have a steel frame Bianchi late 80's. Someone hit the cross bar with something blunt - made a small dent, but now the tube bowes down a fraction. If you look hard you can tell the cross bar is no longer straight. I am not worried about the dent, but how would I go about straightening the tube without doing more damage ? Thanks.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Take it to a frame builder. My guess is replace the tube.

[@lucianonarno1408]

I'm still working on my 80's trek and I have an idea and your input would be very helpful: The brake cables taped to the aluminium handlebar really bother me. I have aero brake levers and was wondering if I could drill two small holes, one by the brake lever and one by the stem to make them internal rooting, do you think this would compromise the handlebar too much?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Luciano Narno It will weaken the bars some. Probably not enough to matter. But you are on your own if you do this. Personally, I would stick to the cables taped to the bars. I am guessing the closer the holes are to the stem, the more they might cause issues as there would be more stress there. Also make the smallest holes possible. Again, you are on your own.

[@lucianonarno1408]

+RJ The Bike Guy Thanks a lot for the reply! I'll think about it.

[@Revdonlee74]

Hello R.J., thank you so much for this vid, you're a lifesaver. My question is this. I just built a pretty powerful motorized bike, is there a way or trick to temporarily adhere a tire to the rim once it's mounted and balance to keep the rim from sliding in the tire? Something to make em sticky possibly, would a layer of elmers rubber cement work or would that feom too strong a bond?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You mean like inflating the tire.

[@Revdonlee74]

So air pressure does hold it pretty sold. My bike has a 212cc motor and it jumps it's so torquey is why I was wonderin'.

[@danny813]

Currently working on a restoration of a 73 steel frame. There's a slight bend on one of the tubes of the rear triangle. Any thoughts on how to straighten? Thanks for the great videos!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Carefully. Maybe take it to some bike shops and get their opinions.

[@danny813]

+RJ The Bike Guy Thanks. I was looking at possibly securing that spot between two boards and using pressure from a vise.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not a good idea. Use a tool like this: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001719K6G/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@danny813]

+RJ The Bike Guy Great. Thanks. I appreciate all the videos!

[@gaet257]

really good channel and source of inspiration. Just a question.What is going to be moved when you force the leverage.? it's the arm starting from the brake mounting arm that is going to be slightly curved? or is the entire triangle starting from TIG point? Why you don't check if the two arms are straight the same? I tryed to enlarge a frame from 126mm to 135mm but initially i did it with the rod in between method but up to 132mm. then because the cassette side was moving more than the other side and checking the alignment I tryed this method to move 3 mm out the other arm. But because I was not getting the result i put a long rod 200mm and a nut only on the side to enlarge and pushed the frame on to the ground. Measuring the frame, it seems aligned and 135mm wide. But one of the two arms starting from the TIG close to the seat post up to the droput is not so straight compared to the other side. I measured this using a wood rod but also i did it using a string. i't less than 1 mm but i noted this difference. Might be I applyed to much force, or pushed on the wrong place but yoiu never measure if the two arms are stright the same. In theory they should be. BR and thanks for you work.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The entire triangle is moved.

[@rickc2222]

Thank you! i have a friend who backed into their bike. Rear triangle bent - looks like could be 1-2 inches out - Its aluminum. You say bending aluminum will harden it making it brittle. I understand. I understand the legal risk of advising trying to fix it. So lets say some dummy (me) decides to ignore your good advice and try to fix it any ways....can you give odds on it failing? or some idea HOW much it could weaken it? In the past had you tried to fix any aluminum frames and they later failed?

[@rickc2222]

ps i already made my friend aware of the risks and if i straighten it, that does not mean it is safe - and to ride at her own risk.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I very highly recommend against it! Just replace it. A new frame is much cheaper than potential hospital bills.

[@rickc2222]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thank you. I told her again its not safe...cheap bike not worth swapping parts over so recommending she look for new bike.

[@soldier2gud4me]

Hi, @Rj The Bike Guy what if my rear right drive side dropout was bent upwards due to sliding on marble and falling on my right side. This is causing the rear wheel to lean more towards the left side.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If the frame it bent, replace it, or take it to a frame builder. If it's just a drop out bent, you might be able to align it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqS4aXyhoKuUpc0 Or take it to a shop.

[@BogdanSerban]

I've changed the rear hub from 5-speed to 7-speed, but now the chainring must be a bit further from the frame to compensate the extra width, so the chain doesn't get tensioned. Is this something that has to be fixed from the frame alignment or I need a new crank/chainring assembly?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Bogdan Serban Not sure if the chain would be off by enough to worry about. If you have a square taper BB/crankset, you can always get a square taper BB with a slightly longer spindle.

[@wowwow3942]

+RJ The Bike Guy help me plz i really need help

[@geoffpoole483]

Hi RJ, Is there an alternative method to using the FFG2? Very helpful video, as usual.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrFgZx3nsR-h8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/moazcn6niJiXqpo

[@hakanyildiz9602]

I would not ever involve the seat tube in this procedure. Press the right chain stay (and the right dropout against a wall), secure it and pull the left chain stay (and the left dropout) out. Repeat the operation by pressing the left chainstay (and the left dropout) against a wall first.

[@darthvader11p]

Hey man your videos have helped me a lot as I've built up my old steel frame gitane. This is my first time working on a bike so I really appreciate all the info you give out. However I have a question for you. I used the string method to find that my bike (after cold setting and increasing the rear triangle distance from 120 mm to 130 mm) Is about 1.75 mm out alignment. This is not a lot so I'm wondering if it is ok to just make an adjustment to the rear dropout screws to compensate for the difference. Right now I've done that and the wheel tracks straight with the frame ( I used calipers to measure), but are there any potential issues I might encounter doing this? Thanks for any response you give.You are an awesome resource of information.

[@peterjv8748]

Aligned my first bike frame today. Old mid eighties Rockhopper. I got a little confused and really overbent it by about an inch and a half but I bent it back correctly aligned everything. You don't think there's any chance I did any damage do you?

[@JoelTGM]

Maybe stressed a little but meh it will be fine. Steel can be flexed and bent without much issue. I have a frame that was super far out of wack to the point where my rear tire was trying to steer me. An old bike mechanic straightened it perfectly and it's been great.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ack! That is a lot. Hopefully it will be okay. If it is was just a couple bend, probably be okay.

[@peterjv8748]

@@JoelTGM Thanks, guys. The Rockhopper was going to go on our retail floor but I think I might pick it up for myself and do a 650b conversion. I have these Tektro cantis that will work with the bigger wheels but they are not great. Do you know of any other cantilever brakes I could get that would reach?

[@takane151]

I've got a mid eighties rockhopper I got at a thriftstore for $10 I am restoring and it's rear end is tweaked too, I couldn't get the tire in straight without having one end of the axle far enough out of the dropout that it wouldn't stay in place when you pedaled, local bike shop compensated sort of with dropout alignment, but the wheel isn't parallel with the seat tube now. Think I'm gonna bring it to a bike shop that does frame alignment(my local one doesn't) rather than do it myself and mess it up. I found a shop that charges $65 an hour for frame alignment, so it will probably be cheaper than buying the frame and dropout alignment tools.

[@peterjv8748]

@@takane151 Best of luck. Link some pics when it's done!

[@JoelTGM]

Hey have you ever gone to far? I was trying to bring dropouts out from 120mm to 130mm and I spent a long time making mistakes going too far. It felt easier to bend than I was expecting so it took me a while to finally get it aligned. Do you think it will twist as soon as I accelerate hard on the bike? What has your experience been to know what is too far, or too many bends?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have never had problems, but I always take it easy when doing this trying not to over bend.

[@JoelTGM]

@@RJTheBikeGuy okay that's good. Before I go too far on this build I will get a chain on here and try sprinting to see if I can cause any bending of the stays. If not then it should be fine for the casual riding I plan to do. I'm mainly just surprised that steel tube like this is so easy to bend.

[@davidb.5967]

Hey RJ! I love your Videos. So helpful! Thanks for that! I have a question for you: My Raleigh frame has 126mm (rear part) and I just bought a 120mm wheel. Can I make the frame a bit smaller by squeezing it down to 120mm? Any experience? Regards from Germany!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Yes you can. 126mm would be for a 6 or 7 speed wheel. 120mm is typically for a 5 speed wheel, or maybe a fixie.

[@davidb.5967]

Alright, thank you so much for your super fast reply! :)

[@bellavia5]

I just bought an 80's Yokota MTB frame . The seller says it was 126 mm. A frame I have (with a 5 speed freewheel) also measures 126mm. Who's off?

[@okantichrist]

Is there a danger of denting the seat tube?

[@bmxclipsdaily9948]

Will this work on a high tensile steel bmx frame

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Why not?

[@BIGDO13]

RJ The Bike Guy for fucking president!!

[@SelbyPav]

sweet frame

[@code3xiv]

Its kinda sad when i found out my new bike, marin nicasio rear chainstays are not align out of the box when i check it with a string method you suggested. Its a new bike and just rode it less then 1/4 mile around my house. Right side is 35mm from seat tube. Left side is 38mm.. i knew something is wrong when the tyre didnt sit center visually and when i run my finger along the tyre-frame gap. This is bugging me. Im worried if i bend it in with wood plank as you suggested might damage the chromoly steel frame. Sigh

[@jlmagandelcerro2415]

Go ahead cold setting won't damage it, steel is ductil

[@nivek29]

How far off should the alignment be before you start messing with it? Mine is less than an 1/8 of an inch. Will that be a problem if I don't align in? Thanks in advance.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Then probably not worth messing with.

[@nivek29]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thank you so much!

[@vallenlen4301]

I had a little problem to straighten my rear fork because of the shape and the curves. I might need to cut off the rear fork and try to make sure that the frame is really straight and then welding it on the place.but it was quiet compacted because each frame have its own design so it was to risky so... I may not gonna proceed to cut it. I hope I had a blueprint for this MTB =(

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Unless you are experienced in frame building, I don't recommend that approach.

[@TimmiMontreal]

If your space is 125mm... it should be 127mm for a 126mm hub. Therefore, you could have moved only the left side out by 5mm to get 130mm to have a bike that accepts more modern 130mm (or even a 126mm hub with an extra washer on each side). and you're only 0.5mm off target on each side... up to you to decide if you leave it like that. I think at that point, you'd be tweaking beyond the precision (and reliability of measurement) of your tool (and control on the lever) anyways.

[@markholm7050]

Do you think it got out of alignment due to damage, or did it leave the factory out of alignment?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Mark Holm Not sure. There was no serious damage.

[@billfaust1143]

So the two Cannondales I have cannot be expanded to accept a wider wheelset?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Do not cold set them. You might be able to squeeze the rear wheel into the frame.

[@billfaust1143]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thanks! I will try to squeeze them in. You have been so much help to me! Thanks!! LOve your videos!!

[@helamanavalos9806]

can you make a video about what youre talking in 6:10 ?? please!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If the tubes are bent, then the frame is toast, unless you want to pay a frame builder to replace the bent tubes.

[@helamanavalos9806]

@@RJTheBikeGuyits just that the seat tube seems to be bend a little to the left (thats what I see when i ride my bike and look down to my seat tube) also if i ride with no hands the bike intandly goes to the left and i have to fight with that to keep going straight fordward. But when you see the tube from other angles it looks normal it doesn't look bend its sraight but loaded to the left, hope i made my self understood, so... its my bike frame toast or can I do something in this case? THANKYOU!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Take it to a bike shop and have them look at it in person. Maybe a few shops and get their opinions.

[@a.v.k.2852]

Is an aluminum frame beyond repair?

[@walkstall8390]

Yes

[@stingray565]

nice Ofmega Mistral!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have heard that before, but they aren't Ofmega Mistral.

[@wilsonbuitrago6499]

Le agradecería una traducción al españo

[@vandieselcuuuz]

Would this be the reason my rear wheel loosens every time I hit a bump it causes my chain to loosen too I can’t figure it out :( please help if you can I know this is an old video

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Nope. There is some stuff in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn6rc3t8qpl2qKM

[@theephemeralglade1935]

Yeah, your beer to soda ratio is way off, but otherwise another great video, RJ.

[@ebikefunpiet940]

they can also create a video on the repair of a motor Bionx as replace bearings, glue DMS?

[@artbou9201]

Can we align carbon frames?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No! Carbon, frames flex, then break.

[@MacFilmsmain]

Please do videos on bmx bikes

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Projectepic I have a few.

[@MacFilmsmain]

+RJ The Bike Guy if you have then it must have been a long time ago because I can't find one. could you do like a small series where you buy like a 40 or 30 dollar bmx and make it run well while showing good tips?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You really need to look through my videos. A BMX bike is just a bike and most of the stuff on it is the same as a mountain bike or road bike. But I do have a few BMX specific videos.

[@ROSE-by5su]

So I tried to do it and they have 38mm both side and now my left crank arm closer on my chainstay than my right crank arm

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It sounds like you have the wrong size bottom bracket or something else is going on.

[@dan3nad]

what if you heat aluminum frame?

[@cesar314]

No good - aluminum is very brittle and will harden upon bending. Plus, most frames are made from heat-treated aluminum, which makes it stronger but also more brittle. If you heat it, it will be more malleable, but still not a great idea.

[@dan3nad]

@@cesar314 ok , but have you ever tried to straighten an actual aluminum bike frame? If that dosent work then recut & just reweld with aluminum welder

[@cesar314]

@dan3nad Yes, it cracked. Have you tried re-welding a thin-walled aluminum frame tube? It does not hold up well, the tubes are so very thin.

[@dan3nad]

@@cesar314 no i never welded aluminum , only metal, won't know till I try

[@francisndungu]

What about the fork?

[@jayglocks576]

What about 4130 chrome-moly

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Chromemoly is steel.

[@jayglocks576]

Ohh okay, thanks man I'll attempt to try this on my 1986 gt performer👍🏼

[@TheBluesSociety]

One day RJ, will buy some pipes from local scrape yard and will build his own frame and fork ! He will get there i`m sure ! :)

[@pbobassist]

How important is frame alignment?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Darcy Gray Depends. If it is just a little off, you maybe not notice. The farther off it is, the more noticeable it may be. If the alignment it off, you may notice a shimmy at higher speeds.

[@pbobassist]

Thanks!

[@dominicgenerao5720]

RJ is this applicable for Alum. Alloy. Frame?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Dominic Generao What do I say in the first 30 seconds of the video?

[@dominicgenerao5720]

+RJ The Bike Guy got it RJ thanks. Do you have videos for mountain bikes?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

A bunch!

[@lorenzoscortino1658]

Why would anyone not like this? "psh. 2X4? How barbaric!" That guy sounds like an a$$. Thanks for the info RJ. Keep the videos coming.

[@kyle8952]

I don't think this is better than using the string and a ruler method. doing it that way you can see the measurement change as you bend

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It's more accurate.

[@keith1542]

how does he know that the first side he went off of wasn't bent?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+keith I check both sides throughout the process.

[@keith1542]

should explain that! I manufactured many things in my life, and I know that you must always work of center first to get accurate readings. You can't just walk up to a bike take a reading on one side and expect to go from there? Your video was wrong, simply because you didn't work off of center. It would work great, your way, IF, you knew that side was straight. I could do better with a string, than your way of going of one side first???? I've built to many things to know that you must work off of center. Bikes are no dam different.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+keith If you don't understand what is going on in the video, then you are simply not going to understand. But the video is correct.

[@keith1542]

ok if you say so, but I will do it the correct way, thanks

[@thomasforshey1597]

Need a pair of slippers?