Do I Need a Spacer?
12-28-14, 11:27 PM
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Do I Need a Spacer?
Overhauled a headset that used a ubrake hanger and a stemshifter as washers under the locknut. I ended up tossing the stemshifters (converting to barcons).
After securing the locknut I notice the ubrake washer has a slight amount of play- maybe 0.5 mm of movement. Is this going to cause problems? This is a old school BMX spec headset, so if I need another washer, an ordinary 1 1/8 headset spacer wont work, right?
EDIT: Derp, I meant 1" headset. In other words, do i need a spacer and if so are old BMX spec and standard 1" spacers compatible?
After securing the locknut I notice the ubrake washer has a slight amount of play- maybe 0.5 mm of movement. Is this going to cause problems? This is a old school BMX spec headset, so if I need another washer, an ordinary 1 1/8 headset spacer wont work, right?
EDIT: Derp, I meant 1" headset. In other words, do i need a spacer and if so are old BMX spec and standard 1" spacers compatible?
Last edited by zazenzach; 12-29-14 at 12:14 AM.
12-29-14, 12:23 AM
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Can you measure the steerer OD?
12-29-14, 12:47 AM
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A washer with the flat (or tab to fit in the groove) helps a lot. I have adjusted and tightened headsets with just an ordinary washer and ridden them but always feel better when I have the right washer. Ask around at older shops. I'll guess that old BMX and 1" are the same, but I do not know. That shop will.
If you ride without it, be aware that your HS could come out of adjustment. It will let you know so it is not unsafe, but it can either tighten or loosen. If it tightens, that will continue, so stop and back it off or get a ride home. You won't ride a frozen headset home. Too loose and you could lose balls if they are not in a retainer.
Ben
If you ride without it, be aware that your HS could come out of adjustment. It will let you know so it is not unsafe, but it can either tighten or loosen. If it tightens, that will continue, so stop and back it off or get a ride home. You won't ride a frozen headset home. Too loose and you could lose balls if they are not in a retainer.
Ben
12-29-14, 05:51 AM
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Sheldon Brown's cribsheet for headsets
You're going to need a spacer of the same thickness as the stem shifter boss. Size needs to be 1" ID - and there will be no difference between BMX and standard in that regard.
You're going to need a spacer of the same thickness as the stem shifter boss. Size needs to be 1" ID - and there will be no difference between BMX and standard in that regard.
12-29-14, 06:26 AM
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Those washers are usually lying around LBS (rarely used any more but in our area of the hobby). I'd recommend using 2 if you can, just make sure you get a good grip with that locknut.
12-29-14, 07:05 AM
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One note, if your fork steerer doesn't have the groove or flat to accept the keyed washer, you'll have to completely remove it to file in the appropriate shape for the lockwasher.
12-29-14, 03:05 PM
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I've bought the tabbed washers in both chrome and black on the big auction site for a couple of bucks. Also stackable 1" ID spacers in various thicknesses to make up for an extra long steertube.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 12-29-14 at 03:10 PM.
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