Bicycle Mechanics - How do you know if your headset is shot?

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Sincitycycler
07-17-07, 01:33 AM
My Scott Cr1 Pro is only a 1 1/2 years old with a stock FSA headset.

Just wondering how long a typical headset is supposed to last and how do you know if it's going bad?:(

Bobby Lex
07-17-07, 05:18 AM
Unless mis-adjusted or damaged in a crash, they last a LONG time. (e.g. Chris King's are warranted for 10 years).

Find something else to worry about.

Bob
FlatFender
07-17-07, 05:40 AM
do the handle bars turn really smooth?
if so, your good to go.

BugsInMyTeeth
07-17-07, 05:53 AM
Smooth steering is good.

Is there any play/slop? Try to lock out your fork, and shake your handlebars back and forth, side to side (while keeping the bars straight). There should be no movement in the steer tube. If there is, it just may need to be tightened.. or, it could be a sign of something worse.

Why are you asking? It may be easier to describe your concern, other than ask for all the possible signs of a failing headset.
Coyote2
07-17-07, 07:27 AM
My Scott Cr1 Pro is only a 1 1/2 years old with a stock FSA headset.

Just wondering how long a typical headset is supposed to last and how do you know if it's going bad?:(


Judging from your posts, I think you do have a defective headset.

Oh, wait, you're asking about your bike .
San Rensho
07-17-07, 07:50 AM
My Scott Cr1 Pro is only a 1 1/2 years old with a stock FSA headset.

Just wondering how long a typical headset is supposed to last and how do you know if it's going bad?:(

Grab the front brake, put your thumb and forefinger around the cup/race so that you can feel both simultaneously and rock the bike back and forth. If you feel any play its loose. Rotate the bars with the fron wheel off the ground, there should be no binding or indexing.

Now test ride it. If you can ride a straight line with no hands, if the front end does not chatter when you hit the brakes, headset is good. A properly adjusted headset willl last years.
bac
07-17-07, 07:53 AM
My Scott Cr1 Pro is only a 1 1/2 years old with a stock FSA headset.

Just wondering how long a typical headset is supposed to last and how do you know if it's going bad?:(

What symptoms make you think you have a bad headset? If it's making noise, it may just need some lubrication. Have you cleaned and lubed the upper and lower bearings?

... Brad
Sincitycycler
07-21-07, 12:28 AM
Judging from your posts, I think you do have a defective headset.

Oh, wait, you're asking about your bike .

Ah yes, one of Botto's ----buddies...:rolleyes: