Bicycle Mechanics - Can Shimano STI cables effect steering on some bikes?

I know it sounds like a silly question, but I thought I'd check before I go swapping out cables and forks.

The steering feels a bit tight and heavy. I've already loosened the headset a bit, and the bars seem to move freely when I test them off the bike.

I have a cheap aluminum frame called a Monoc, and the STI cable bosses are somewhat high on the downtube, and therefore closer to the headtube than they are on my other frames. Because of this, the cables wrap tightly around the sides of the headtube before going up to the levers. Can this effect the handling of the bike?

I know it sounds like a silly question, but I thought I'd check before I go swapping out cables and forks.

The steering feels a bit tight and heavy. I've already loosened the headset a bit, and the bars seem to move freely when I test them off the bike.

I have a cheap aluminum frame called a Monoc, and the STI cable bosses are somewhat high on the downtube, and therefore closer to the headtube than they are on my other frames. Because of this, the cables wrap tightly around the sides of the headtube before going up to the levers. Can this effect the handling of the bike?

The housing stiffness can affect the steering. Assuming they are the correct length and that they are routed correctly in the first place. The headset adjustment is entirely seperate of this. Do NOT mess with the headset to "fix" the former problem.

Maybe you need a new headset? Cheap frame = cheap headset.

Did it change over time?

If I understand right the steering is not so bad when no weight on the bike? Sounds like headset.

Maybe you need a new headset? Cheap frame = cheap headset.

Did it change over time?

If I understand right the steering is not so bad when no weight on the bike? Sounds like headset.

This is incredibly easy to diagnose, just disconnect the F+R Derailleur cable from their anchor points. It'll then be obvious if it's the headset adjustment or if it is the housing causing the problem.

Thank you for the replies.

I really don't think it's the headset, because it feels super-smooth while I'm off the bike, and I've adjusted it a few times.

It's either the cables, or the fork is just totally wrong for this frame.
I got the frame for virtually nothing, then put a Columbus Carve on it, so don't know if the rake is suitable, but I think it should be fine.

I'm first going to switch the gear cables around, so that the left cable goes around to the right boss, etc.
This obviously means there will be no contact on the headtube.

:thumb:

I think operators suggestion is wery good. Do not switch them around, just disconnect the der cables around the steerer tube and go for a short ride.

I still suspect the headset. Problem only when the bike is "loaded".

You put a new fork. Did you put a new / good headset or is it a mismatch of parts from at least two different headsets? Remember also the small ring on the fork crown counts.

The fact that you adjusted it several times indicates that you`we had problems for some time. If you ride a bike with a headset problem (even if the original problem as just a detail) it can be destroyed in "no time".

Hope you find a solution.

I think operators suggestion is wery good. Do not switch them around, just disconnect the der cables around the steerer tube and go for a short ride.. Oh yeah. Good idea. :) I still haven't got around to it.




I still suspect the headset. Problem only when the bike is "loaded".
You put a new fork. Did you put a new / good headset or is it a mismatch of parts from at least two different headsets? Remember also the small ring on the fork crown counts.
.Yes, I used the frame's headset, except for the race which was stuck on the fork. The race is one without a gap, so it would be a bit tricky to take off

are you using the correct race on the fork for the headset? not a different one?

are the bearings in the headset captive? if so, are they in the correct way?

is there any knock in the headset?

are you using the correct race on the fork for the headset? not a different one? are the bearings in the headset captive? if so, are they in the correct way?
is there any knock in the headset?I appreciate the replies. I've been a bit busy, so I've only just got around to doing things to this bike.

Bottom line is, I changed the fork (I sort of wanted to anyway) and the handling has improved. The different fork has a different race from another headset. Maybe the Columbus Carve was 'wrong' for this bike.

I was (and am still) using a different race with this headset. The stiffer, 'available' forks I have here (which I prefer) have fixed races: the ones with no gaps which are hard to take off without damaging the crown.

Sorry, I don't know what 'captive bearings' means. :) Do you mean cartridge bearings?
However, they seem to be seated properly in the head tube

There is no knocking.

I think I will still try swaping the cables around (right STI to left boss, and vice versa)