Weird bike "stuttering"

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

Did you check the headset bearings?

Wheel bearings?

Loose spoke?

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

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

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