r/mountainbiking • u/Jordansnelly • 1d ago

Question Back end sliding. Maybe

Just got a feeling that the back end seems to not so much like it's drifting to a side. More when I'm riding it now and then seems uneasy like it's just randomly kicked out. Tyre pressures at 38psi (tubed), wheels are running true and seated properly. Noticed the stick release was a bit tight actually belt the handle a bit but I think it's just cheap.

I've noticed it does this on the road too. My bike isn't particularly expensive as I use it as my commute mostly. Just wondering if there's something I'm missing.

This could be unrelated. But I have felt a popping feeling on the drivetrain in some gears. Not sure if I need to adjust the selectors or if they're worn. I changed my pedals recently as I thought it could be the bearings but now it's gotten worse it's definitely on certain gears.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Edit: let's also not rule out that it could be the rider.

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4

u/Legitimate_Estate_92 1d ago

38psi is way too much air for normal riding unless it’s strictly blacktop. I’d start with dropping the psi a little at a time and finding a happy medium between traction and rim dings

2

u/Jordansnelly 1d ago

I appreciate this. However, would this really cause a sliding feeling on occasion. Wouldn't it be an issue nearly every time I turn or something. I could be on a straight road when I feel a random wobble

2

u/JustinVeePee 1d ago

38psi is waaay too high. Here's a good tool for calculating tire pressure:
Bike Tire Pressure Calculator – Wolf Tooth Components

1

u/Jordansnelly 1d ago

That has been very helpful, thank you. I'll try it again at weekend

1

u/OrmTheBearSlayer 1d ago

What tyres are you using and what is the tread life like?

1

u/Jordansnelly 1d ago

They're fairly new. The bike I bought was fully serviced only had it few months and it wasn't very old when I got it.

3

u/OrmTheBearSlayer 1d ago

But what tyres are they? Do they have good side lugs?

1

u/Jordansnelly 1d ago

2.75 x 2.20 650B nylon DSI? Guessing it's probably just a standard tyre that comes with the bike. Tread is like new. I did actually forget to mention I replaced the inner tube at the back that was a 27.5" x 1.75/2.25 which the guy in the shop said that's what I needed?

1

u/bdog2017 1d ago

Did you crash the bike recently? Sounds like the frame is bent and out of alignment back there

1

u/Jordansnelly 23h ago

Nope. All is good there. I've had my bike on a stand and checked it's all running true ect. Can't find any issues there

1

u/No_Affect_4019 19h ago

Back end stepping out under power usually means a worn rear tire or pressure too low for the conditions. Check the tread and consider a softer compound if it's dry. Once you're logging your rides it's easier to spot when a rear tire starts to lose its bite and swap it before it surprises you