Worrying performance

[DavidCR]

Hello all,

Could I ask for some advice/help please? I have a Scalpel 2000 which is around 16 years old, I think. Recently I've been experiencing a very unsettling feeling from the rear wheel. It feels like a lateral movement, almost as if the wheel is loose. Even more confusing is that it's sporadic, sometimes happens when I'm applying pressure moving from a stop, but not always.
I have had it checked and everything is solid as it should be. Could this be the carbon stays showing their age? Ultimately, is it now dangerous to ride?

Thank you very much in advance for any advice.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I would sooner suspect one of the pivot points rather than the stays, but there could be something loose in the dropout area. I would look for slop at the BB pivot and the dropout area. The design definitely depends on a rigid bond from chain stays to seat stays.

 

[DavidCR]

Thank you for your response, much appreciated. I've just booked it in for a full service, so hopefully this will sort it out. Thanks again, David.