Bicycle Mechanics - Headset problems in the cold

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cyates
02-11-08, 04:01 PM
I am working on a bike. When I'm inside, the headset feel a little worn. However, I left the bike out in the cold today for about 30 minutes and the headset felt absolutely terrible - a lot of resistance when turning the handlebars, very gritty, etc. Is this normal?

Cynikal
02-11-08, 05:22 PM
Time to repack.
lowbike
02-11-08, 05:49 PM
Better yet, time for a good sealed bearing headset.

MudPie
02-11-08, 05:52 PM
I am working on a bike. When I'm inside, the headset feel a little worn. However, I left the bike out in the cold today for about 30 minutes and the headset felt absolutely terrible - a lot of resistance when turning the handlebars, very gritty, etc. Is this normal?

How cold, like Minnesota cold?
cyates
02-11-08, 07:13 PM
Around 20F
MudPie
02-11-08, 07:41 PM
As previously suggested by Cynikal, time to clean and repack. I don't live in such a cold environment, but perhaps could you have water in the headset, which then freezes into ice (hence the gritty, crunching feel.)
supcom
02-11-08, 10:36 PM
20 deg F is not significantly cold for bike parts and the grease used to lubricate them. In your case, at a minimum you need to clean, repack, and adjust the bearings in the headset. If that doesn't clear up the problem, or if the headset is exhibiting an "indexed" feel, or tendency to center itself, then it is worn and needs replacing.