Questions tagged [headset]
Questions referring to the component fitted on or inside the head tube, which allow the steering tube to rotate freely.
184
questions
13
votes
8answers
52k views
Don't integrated headsets wear out, ruining the frame?
I came upon this marvelous explanation of headset types.
However, this got me wondering. Isn't the role of the headset cups similar to that of the derauler hanged - to not waste the frame as soon as ...
12
votes
2answers
16k views
How do I fix movement in headset
I have bought a second hand bike and generally it's going well. However, there is a small amount of play in the headset that I've been trying to diagnose and resolve.
It's a threadless fork.
I've ...
10
votes
2answers
210 views
Is stem cap redundant after tightening stem bolts?
Is it right to think that after the preload is set, and the stem bolts are tightened, the stem cap becomes redundant? Will the preload be held fixed by the stem? If so, does that mean the stem cap can ...
10
votes
1answer
7k views
Felt carbon steerer compression plug removal
How do I remove a compression plug (aka. expander bung) like this one?
Most guides I could find assume that there's a 6mm hex Allen opening that allows tightening/loosening the plug (example pictured ...
9
votes
5answers
3k views
Broken stem tube – LBS “just” lowered handlebars. Is this safe?
I have asked this elsewhere on the internet as well, but this is the Stack Exchange adaptation.
I have three related questions and I'll try to make it clear what they are. Here's some background where ...
9
votes
5answers
8k views
How often should one service headset bearings?
How often should one disassemble one's headset and service the bearings, assuming it's a fairly new road bicycle with sealed cartridge bearings and is ridden every day?
9
votes
4answers
636 views
How can I remove very stuck headset spacers (alu/carbon)
Working on a bike that has had significant indoor turbo usage, (i.e. a lot of sweat has run down the headset) and corrosion has bonded the aluminium spacers to the carbon steerer. The steering is ...
8
votes
1answer
108 views
What is this headset's name per the Standardized Headset Identification System
The Park Tool website has a page describing the standardized headset identification system.
I would like to confirm that I've understood it properly. Is this bottom section of a press-fit headset ...
8
votes
1answer
140 views
How do I install this Ribble endurance SLR headset?
I've installed the bearings and now I'm struggling with which order to stack things. I can't find any documentation or manual of any description. I've attached a few photos. Does anyone have any idea?
7
votes
5answers
9k views
Used WD-40 on headset and now it loosens daily
I've used WD-40 on my bike's headset as it produced some cracking noises. The result is a headset that gets loose after every ride.
I've tried to use a wrench to tighten it, alas, it went loose after ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Got a new frameset, don't know why I need this split ring collar?
I can work out all the bits of the semi integrated headset, the star fangled nut for the steerer, but I can't see why I need this?
It has similar diameter to the steerer tube, is it a spacer? I don't ...
7
votes
1answer
826 views
Can I leave headset spacers above and below the stem
I am in the process of building a bike with a new frame and fork. The groupset will be from a donor bike. When it comes to fitting the bike and cutting the steerer I would like to do some trial rides ...
7
votes
1answer
251 views
Gap in headset dust cover--what am I missing?
I replaced my stem with one that has a taller stack height. I learned about proper gaps for the headset preload and had to requisition a thinner spacer to ensure there's ~3mm between the top of the ...
6
votes
3answers
6k views
What's the easiest way to insert a star nut into a steerer tube?
I need to install one of those star-fangled nuts, but I don't do this often enough to warrant buying a special tool for it. I usually manage to hammer the thing in eventually but in the past it has ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Unobtainium headset size?
This summer I took apart my old mountain bike to do a rebuild. It is a Raleigh Legend, from Raleigh Canada, circa 1994. When I got to the headset, I looked for a replacement but it seems the ...
6
votes
3answers
5k views
How important is it to face the head tube?
I have a frame that I've built up and I'm having trouble getting the tension perfect on the headset, which is not usually something I have trouble with. A friend of mine who is much more knowledgeable ...
6
votes
2answers
141 views
Play in headset with no upper bearings on a tandem bicycle
I have a half recumbent tandem bicycle. The front fork headset (under the front cyclist) is loose: I can feel some play when I put the front brake on and try to move the bicycle front and back. I ...
6
votes
1answer
323 views
What Threadless adapter should I use?
I want to replace the quill stem on my Roadbike with a Threadless head post.
The measurement shows about .8 inches.
Does a 1 inch adapter mean it is converting to a 1 inch diameter or does it mean ...
6
votes
1answer
540 views
Stripped thread on steerer. Who is at fault - me or LBS?
Background
I ride a Peugeot PKN10 (1980 or 1979 I'm unsure of the exact date). Three months ago I had a cracked chainstay replaced at my LBS. This required removal of the original fork and headset ...
6
votes
4answers
6k views
Gap between lower headset cup and fork. Is this likely to be a problem?
Yesterday I had a headset and fork fitted by my LBS. Lacking the specific tools or knowledge, I thought it better to leave this job to a professional; as a consequence of my inexperience, however, I ...
6
votes
1answer
298 views
Why no threaded headset cups?
Threaded bottom brackets
are much simpler to install
require minimal tools (press-in requires a $300 press)
are automatically aligned, as the thread was cut in the factory.
So what is the reason ...
5
votes
3answers
269 views
Do road bikes use the same width headsets?
I know that most commonly MTB's use 1 1/8" steerers and older non-suspension bikes use 1" but I don't really know anything about the width of modern road bikes. Do they now use 1 1/8" or do they use ...
5
votes
2answers
3k views
Is my carbon fork steerer tube damaged by overtightened stem bolts
As per the title: I've had my bike serviced by a bike shop, who helpfully tightened up the stem cap and pinch bolts on my headset. I rode it approx 15 km (9 miles) and I noticed some play in the ...
5
votes
1answer
264 views
Headset labeling - Does this qualify as EC30?
I am currently in a dispute with an eBay vendor about the sizing of a threaded headset I purchased. Before I initiate a refund claim, I would like to make sure I'm in the right.
The headset's ...
5
votes
2answers
553 views
Threadless stem keeps loosening [duplicate]
I recently got a 2018 Felt VR30. I've been riding for a long time, but this is the first bike I've ever had with a carbon fork, and only the second I've had with a threadless headset.
The problem I'm ...
5
votes
2answers
492 views
Kids bike front wheel falls to the side while on kickstand
My daughters bike's front wheel doesn't stay straight when it is on the kickstand. Our other 2 bikes only slightly go to the left but her front end "falls" to the left like something is loose. ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Frequent fork swapping, best practice?
For folks who frequently swap forks (i.e. rigid fork for one race, suspension fork the next weekend, back/forth) how do you manage headset/crown race compatibility? I assume you end up with matching ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
What can cause headset bearings to become loose quickly?
On a new-ish CX bike (about 1 year old), I frequently need to adjust/tighten the headset bearings (semi-integrated ahead type).
After a few rides, they become loose which is noticeable by a "...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I disassemble my headset? How do I know if I need to replace it
I just bought a cheap frame off craigslist because I want to build myself a fixed gear bike. When I turn the fork, it feels like there is sand in the bearings. How do I go about taking the headset ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
A shim between bottom headset cup and bearing
I ended up in a situation in which my new fork with an integrated crown race imposes lower headset bearing (1.5" 45deg) stack restriction, i.e. I need an additional 1.5mm of bearing height so the fork ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
My bike's adjustable stem keeps falling down
My bike's adjustable stem keeps falling down. I tighten the nut as much as can but it seems no impact at all.
Is it the wrong nut to tighten?
4
votes
1answer
951 views
Why isn't my quill stem controlling the front wheel of my bike? [duplicate]
Please excuse me if some of my terminology is off. I don't know much about bikes.
When I came home from college I noticed that the seat of my bike was way to high and the headset was really low, I ...
4
votes
3answers
12k views
Bike handlebars loose with front wheel
If I put my leg on the side of the wheel and rotate my handlebars in the direction of my leg, the bars get out of sync with the front wheel as seen in the image below.
This is a threadless headset.
...
4
votes
2answers
4k views
Should I be able to 'manually' rotate the headset?
When I wrap my fingers around my roadie's headset, I'm able to 'rotate' some parts of it freely around.
Should this be happening? If it should not be happening, what is causing this and is it ...
4
votes
1answer
277 views
Amount of spacers below the stem for steel 1 inch steel steerer
I have a steel bike with 1 inch steerer tube made out of steel. I have about 55mm of spacers below the stem and above the top of headset. Is is safe to run my bike with that many spacers below the ...
4
votes
3answers
17k views
Headset wobble after tightening
I own a Cannondale Super Six 105 (Ultegra now) Carbon 2012 bike and I can't stop the wobble in the headset. If I tighten down the top cap (with 6mm hex) I can get rid of the wobble (hands on the ...
4
votes
2answers
4k views
Is threadless a noticeable difference from threaded headset setups?
I'm considering replacing my threaded aluminum forks, threaded headset, steel threaded stem and steel handlebars with threadless carbon forks, threadless headset and integrated carbon stem and ...
4
votes
1answer
18k views
How do I prevent play in the steering post?
I recently changed my handlebar stem to an angle-adjustable variety and now there is a little bit of play in the bar coming up from the front suspension through the frame, onto which that stem is ...
4
votes
2answers
97 views
Headset, stem and steerer tube gap?
I have just adjusted my spacers positions on my headset.
There origionally 3 spacers below the stem one larger than the others and none above the stem, then I took the 2 smaller ones and placed them ...
4
votes
1answer
390 views
Gap between internal cartridge headset and fork
so I've replaced the bottom headset on my 2016 Kona Jake the Snake as the old one was rough and rusted. The replacement is the same size in all dimensions however doesn't seem to fit in properly - ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How much torque should a threaded headset resist?
My flagship BSO has a threaded headset.
I recently discovered, to my surprise, that when I twisted the handlebars hard while restraining the wheel, I could move the stem. It isn't nearly loose enough ...
4
votes
1answer
4k views
Split crown “race” possibly dangerous?
On some headsets which use a cartridge bearing in the lower assembly, the crown "race" is split. Also, I know a lot of people split their crown race for the ease of installation.
Perhaps I'm overly ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Should I use anti seize for headsets and press fit bottom brackets in a titanium frame?
I have a shiny new titanium frame that I will be building up. I had the shop press in a headset and it looks like they used grease at the interface. Should they have used anti seize? I also need to ...
4
votes
1answer
458 views
Not finding the right tension for my threadless headset
I recently installed a new fork on a bike I'm building up. I find that before I get the preload tension correct on the top cap to remove knocking, a squeaking sound starts emanating from the steer ...
4
votes
1answer
285 views
How can I install a 1 1/8“ to 1 3/8” Synapse fork onto a 44 mm headtube?
I know you get headset questions all the time, hopefully this one mixes things up a bit. I recently acquired a 2015 litespeed CX frame, which has a 44 mm head tube. It is listed as having a height of ...
4
votes
1answer
459 views
Need to face head tube?
I'm building a bike from scratch, and went to my LBS today to get the head tube faced. They told me I don't need it (they also told me they don't have the tool), but when I look at the frame, there is ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
What are early signs of failure in forks/stem/handlebars?
I ride an SE Lager. In the past year, the following components have worn out or broken
Front chainring
Rear cog
Rear freewheel
Chain
Seat (one of the bars snapped off)
Many, many spokes
Wheels
...
4
votes
2answers
93 views
How to access bearings on this headset?
Since a while my racing bike seems to have delopped a little crackling noise in my headset. I thought servicing the headset bearings might be a logical first step. Unfortunately, when I opend it up I ...
4
votes
1answer
52 views
Slotted or unslotted crown race with tapered carbon steerers
Does a tapered carbon steerer (40mm at the crown) typically require a slotted crown race if the steerer lacks an integrated bevel on which the lower bearing can rest?
I have a Cane Creek Forty headset ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
Conical head tube: does it really make huge difference?
I am looking forward to getting a new mountain bike and in various reviews sites they are really focused on if a bike have conical head tube or not. In many cases it is the first thing listed as pro (...
