Folding Bikes - 2008 Downtube 9 Play In Stem & Fork?

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youthcom
02-13-08, 10:19 PM
Just got my first folder a 2008 "9" with the hope of being able to always have a ride on my few travels. The ride seems fun, but I have some questions about the folding stem part & the suspension fork. The suspension fork has some play like the fork doesn't have bushings beneath those seals. This is probably normal being a cheap fork which seems to also have rather soft springs. The next issue I'm not so sure about, but there is a bit of play where the folding clamp is on the stem. All this tested by holding the brakes & rocking the bike on it's front wheel. I know some flex is likely normal because fo the length of those parts, but should they be stiff like the frame fold point or is the play normal?

rhm
02-14-08, 12:55 PM
Sounds to me like you need to adjust the headset -- loosen the big 8-sided nut (you'll need a 36 mm wrench), tighten the one below it a little, and tighten the top nut again. You want it tight enough that there's no play, but the fork still turns freely.
youthcom
02-14-08, 03:14 PM
I took a closer look at it & i think it's just the nature of the hinge between the upper & lower steerer. The bolt that connects them is .015" - .020" smaller in diameter then the holes it goes through. The loose tolerance there allows some movement with the quick release side acting as the pivot point. I was able to lessen then affect by wrapping a .005" brass shim around the connecting bolt there.

I only wish it were available frame only because I already feel like replacing several of the stock parts.

jur
02-14-08, 03:33 PM
I only wish it were available frame only because I already feel like replacing several of the stock parts.If you look at what you can get those quality level parts for, then I doubt that there would be great deal of difference between a bare frame and a full bike. Wheels are the most expensive item but stuff like the headset, handlebars seat post and the like would be a few $ each. Even the forks would be very low cost as OEM parts, I would estimate below $20 or even below $10. So go ahead and upgrade, you won't be out of pocket by much at all due to discarding the stock parts.