Weird bike "stuttering"

[carriesn]

Hi there!

Yesterday I took out my road bike for a spin- been neglecting it lately for my hybrid (commuting to work). Felt great BUT for the first 15 minutes, the bike sort of shook (stuttered for a lack of a better word) whenever I was going downhill. After a few miles the stuttering and shaking stopped- what the heck is going on? I checked the brake pads and they aren't touching the tire so that can't be it. :eek:

Anybody have any idea? Id like to have some idea before taking the bike to the shop.

Thanks!

carrie

~2008 Specialized Dolce Comp
~2009 Raleigh Cadent FT1

[OakLeaf]

Did you check the headset bearings?

Wheel bearings?

Loose spoke?

[lph]

If it were only when braking I'd say your rim has a dent in it.

[tulip]

Check to be sure that your front and back quick releases are tight. If your wheel falls off, it won't be pretty.

[applegum]

If the quick release is tight, see if the wheel has any side-to-side movement in the fork. If that's the case the cones are probably loose. That can cause pretty noticeable wobbliness on a descent.

Handy Sheldon Brown advice: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html