Road Cycling - Should there be some play at the front fork

Hi,
I just noticed that I am able to move the front fork a little forward & backward.Is this okay? Do I need to get it service or replace something?

No, it's not OK. There should be an allen bolt at the top of the stem. It's probably loose. Tighten it and see if that helps.

if you are using a threadless fork, loosen the bolts on your stem. then tighten the allen bolt(spangle) on top the stem. Be sure to align your handlebars..

Then retighten your stem bolts.

If you have a threaded fork, tighten your headset nuts...

if you are using a threadless fork, loosen the bolts on your stem. then tighten the allen bolt(spangle) on top the stem. Be sure to align your handlebars..

Then retighten your stem bolts.

If you have a threaded fork, tighten your headset nuts...

Hi, I am using a chris king no thread set. When I remove the top nut & remove the cover, I can't see anything to tighten at all

OK Rider 888,

The bolt holding the top cover actually provides the tension which ensures that there is no unwanted movement in the headset bearing.

Loosen the bolts on the side of the stem (just visible on the right hand side of your picture) Replace the top cover and bolt and tighten it gradually untill the movement you noticed is gone. Now make sure that the handlebars steer smoothly (are not stiff) and are lined up with the front wheel properly. If all is OK tighten the bolts at on the side of the stem to lock it all in place. You should be OK

There is more great info in the "Barnetts Manuals" Sticky thread at the top of the Bicycle Mechanics section if you need it.

Good luck,

Ed

Dont forget to grease the sprocket and fiddle with the flange too......

Ed knows about these things. ;)




OK Rider 888,

The bolt holding the top cover actually provides the tension which ensures that there is no unwanted movement in the headset bearing.

Loosen the bolts on the side of the stem (just visible on the right hand side of your picture) Replace the top cover and bolt and tighten it gradually untill the movement you noticed is gone. Now make sure that the handlebars steer smoothly (are not stiff) and are lined up with the front wheel properly. If all is OK tighten the bolts at on the side of the stem to lock it all in place. You should be OK

There is more great info in the "Barnetts Manuals" Sticky thread at the top of the Bicycle Mechanics section if you need it.

Good luck,

Ed

OK Rider 888,

The bolt holding the top cover actually provides the tension which ensures that there is no unwanted movement in the headset bearing.

Loosen the bolts on the side of the stem (just visible on the right hand side of your picture) Replace the top cover and bolt and tighten it gradually untill the movement you noticed is gone. Now make sure that the handlebars steer smoothly (are not stiff) and are lined up with the front wheel properly. If all is OK tighten the bolts at on the side of the stem to lock it all in place. You should be OK

There is more great info in the "Barnetts Manuals" Sticky thread at the top of the Bicycle Mechanics section if you need it.

Good luck,

Ed
DONT overtighten.Snug,put it all back and check,if needed do again a bit more.

Thanks Ed & everyone here who helped. Much appreciated. Cheers

If you have a question as to how tight is too tight, have someone help you out there. You'll slowly cook your headset, and that's not a cheap one.

Hi,
I just noticed that I am able to move the front fork a little forward & backward.

Is there play in the back fork? :-)

just to make it clearer for you rider888.


cheers... hope it helps!

dex


BTW.. Is this on your the bianchi?
PS. i just love bianchi's, sad that LBS here don't carry those. :(

Hi There, great stuff & appreciate all the help. I followed all the advise & have fix the problem. Thanks again.

Yes, still with the Bianchi, though I upgraded it here & there.Cheers