Bicycle Mechanics - Please help headset questions (numerous)

1) Has anyone found any difference in required number of adjustments (threadless vs threaded)?
2) I have a new threadless fork, stem headset set up and had to tighten after only 200 miles. Have you found that new headsets require initial adjustments this early?
3) (The stupid question) I have to occassionally put my bike in the back of my SUV even thought I have a roof rack because I park in a parking garage at work. Do you think laying a bike in a car can loosen a headset?
4) Do you find threadless headsets easier to adjust?
5) I understand how to tighten a loose headset - but I would appreciate any helpful hints or "does and don'ts" you have found from experience?
Thanks for your time

This is not going to be an answer for you, but I am also having a little problem with the threadless adjustment. My LBS is in a small town and has not had any experience with this set up. I have a Columbus muscle fork with Cinelli Solida Magnum bars and stem. Is there a real trick to set up, or is it simple enough for me to do. I haven't attempted anything for fear of getting in over my head. Unfounded fears, or wise move?

Originally posted by Skuda25
3) Do you think laying a bike in a car can loosen a headset?


Nope, I do this all the time. It won't hurt your headset. Sorry, can't help you much with the rest.

Headsets loosen themselves all the time. Laying a bike on the side shouldent loosen the headset. Threadless are easier to adjust. Dont overtighten or the bearings might become a shape other than round....but that dosent happen alot.

Originally posted by Skuda25
1) Has anyone found any difference in required number of adjustments (threadless vs threaded)?

I have found threadless systems to require fewer adjustments, though it is not a fair comparison since the threaded headsets I have dealt with were cheap garbage. I rode a bike for 5 years with a Dia-Compe 1" threadless headset and I didn't have to touch it until the stem bolt snapped.


2) I have a new threadless fork, stem headset set up and had to tighten after only 200 miles. Have you found that new headsets require initial adjustments this early?

Not with threadless in my experience. With the threaded ones I dealt with, some were far more prone to loosening.


3) (The stupid question) I have to occassionally put my bike in the back of my SUV even thought I have a roof rack because I park in a parking garage at work. Do you think laying a bike in a car can loosen a headset?

It seems unlikely. If you want to attribute cause and effect why not check it before and after? How many times have you had to adjust it anyway?


4) Do you find threadless headsets easier to adjust?

Yes, that is their only advantage, IMO.


5) I understand how to tighten a loose headset - but I would appreciate any helpful hints or "does and don'ts" you have found from experience?
Thanks for your time

If the star nut inside the fork is loose then you won't be able to set the preload correctly. Is it possible that the steerer tube of the fork is hitting the top cap of the headset before all the 'play' is taken out, but you are still given the illusion of it tightening properly?

Thanks everyone for your opinions!