hecking Alignment (Symmetry)

It is important that both forkends be equally far from the centerline of the
frame or fork, otherwise the bicycle won't track properly. Ideally, the frame
alignment should be made using a special fixture that clamps the frame by the
sides of the bottom bracket shell, and takes those faces as the reference point
for all other measurements. This requires special tooling beyond the reach of
the home mechanic or small bike shop.

Assuming that a frame was built straight to begin with, alignment can be
checked by comparison of the rear triangle with the front triangle. Park makes
an adjustable gauge for this, the FAG-2, and this is what most bike shops
would use.

The usual "home mechanic" technique, however requires nothing more than a
piece of string and a ruler. This is a bit slower than using a purpose-built
gauge, but gives good results, if you are reasonably careful.

The String Method:

1. Tie a piece of string to one rear forkend so that the string runs
along the outside of the forkend.
2. Run the string around the front of the head tube and back to the
other rear forkend, as in the photo. You could also run the string
to the opposite side of the head tube from each dropout and loop
it around, to reduce the spacing from the seat tube.
 3. Pull the string taut, making sure that it's contacting the same part
of each forkend
4. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the string to the side of
the seat tube where they cross. Take this measurement on both
sides. It should be the same on each side.
5. If the spacing is as desired, and the string test is correct, you're
almost done. If not, you'll need to go back to levering with the
lumber to correct any error.
6. If you find that you've overcorrected on one side or the other, the
same basic approach can be used, except that you lay the bike
down so that the stays that are too far out are facing down. Run
the lumber under the bottom forkend, and, again, over the seat
tube, then press down as before.

Checking a front fork

A bike shop checks symmetry of a front fork with its special jig, but
symmetry can also be checked roughly by installing a wheel into the fork and
testing whether the rim centers between the fork blades. To be sure that the
wheel itself is centered, turn it over and try it the other way. The rim should be
the same distance from each fork blade after being turned over. Minor
adjustments for symmetry can be made with a rubber mallet. Testing for
symmetry of a front fork is more difficult than with the rear of a frame.