Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - stem installation question

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MattyO
09-20-04, 10:59 AM
Please pardon my ignorance but do I simply need to tighten the allen-wrench bolt that runs down the stem (once I have it in place in the headset) in order to install a new stem.

I can't seem to get it tight enough. My allen wrench will get it fairly tight and then the wrench slips. I dont want to strip the top of that bolt.
It gets pretty tight, but to test it I held the fork firmly and tugger on the bullhorns and they twist (i.e. wheel stays straight but the handlebars turn...)

please advise.

s2sxiii
09-20-04, 11:03 AM
Please pardon my ignorance but do I simply need to tighten the allen-wrench bolt that runs down the stem (once I have it in place in the headset) in order to install a new stem.

I can't seem to get it tight enough. My allen wrench will get it fairly tight and then the wrench slips. I dont want to strip the top of that bolt.
It gets pretty tight, but to test it I held the fork firmly and tugger on the bullhorns and they twist (i.e. wheel stays straight but the handlebars turn...)

please advise.


Is it a fixed-gear/ss specific stem?
MattyO
09-20-04, 11:26 AM
its the stock stem that comes with a KHS flite 100

ryan_c
09-20-04, 11:27 AM
Is this a new stem? Didn't it come with a new bolt?

Allz ya need to do is tighten it to pull the expander wedge up into the stem.

At worst case, epoxy it. Forget about adjustments though.
*new*guy
09-20-04, 11:37 AM
slips as in the bolt is stripped? If so, replace it (the bolt). If you can't get it out, try a torx head.
RainmanP
09-20-04, 11:41 AM
MattyO,
Post your question in the Bicycle Mechanics forum. You will probably get some good suggestions.

Are you sure you are using the correct wrench? The quill bolt is probably 5mm or perhaps 6 mm. If you are trying to use a standard fraction wrench the size that seems to fit is actually too small and will turn inside the bolt before tightening the stem enough. Hopefully you haven't ruined the bolt yet.
bostontrevor
09-20-04, 11:44 AM
I don't know what the flite 100 comes with, but is it a quill stem (Google image search if you're not sure) or threadless? The quill has the split design with the expander at the bottom. In that case, tightening it is tightening the center bolt, yes. On the other hand, if it's a stem for a threadless headset, there is a coller that goes around the outside of the steerer tube like seen here: http://www.singletrackworld.com/i/Hset_16.gif

IN that case, the bolt in the middle is to tighten it into place, but then you have to tighten up the collar bolts to get it to hold position rotationally.