Bicycle Mechanics - Nishiki Handlebar Stem Rotation question

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haleth
11-03-09, 01:29 PM
My 1975 Nishiki International was recently stolen so I had to find myself a new bike. I liked my nishiki so I settled for a 'fixer-upper' 1977 Nishiki Competition. I cleaned her up and noticed something odd; The handlebars, as they twist, seem to "stick" directly in the center. It twists freely all except when centered where it almost is held in place. I'm not sure if this is intentional or if it is something I need to fix somehow. Any ideas?

wrk101
11-03-09, 01:31 PM
Rebuild or replace headset. Headsets are cheap.
haleth
11-03-09, 01:35 PM
Its just that it slides directly into the center and very smooth when doing so. It is almost as if it is meant to be there. I would take it apart and check it out but I don't have my allen set with me.

noglider
11-03-09, 01:52 PM
It's not meant to be that way. You will need a new headset, and you'll need headset tools. The allen wrench is just for removing the stem.
wrk101
11-03-09, 04:53 PM
It's not meant to be that way. You will need a new headset, and you'll need headset tools. The allen wrench is just for removing the stem.

+1 Get the right tools, or pay a shop to do it. It should not be very costly either way. But removing a headset takes special tools, so you probably would do better taking it to a shop. On older headsets, sometimes you can just replace the bearings (after cleaning everything up first). Requires tools, but not nearly as specialized as headset removal/replacement.