Headset question
02-27-07, 07:06 AM
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guppy
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Headset question
I started noticing on climbs, and lately on the trainer, that there is a clicking noise coming from the headset when I am out of the saddle climbing. After looking at the bike inside, it seems that there is a small amount of play in the frame, headset interface, which allows for this clicking as you push side to side. Now it is not large enough to notice motion, just hear the noise. I have become super paranoid since everyone told me that integrated headsets will wreck your bike (que the integrated jokes/comments) but is this something to worry about?
02-27-07, 07:22 AM
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Any movement I would think would be cause for concern, climbing out of the saddle causes more side to side movement which would explain why you're hearing it then. Have you tried tightening the headset? When you wrap your hand around the headset and lock the front brake can you feel movement when rocking the bike?
02-27-07, 07:50 AM
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Thanks for the tips, and yes very slight movement can be felt with your hand. I will try tightening the headset a bit, if that does not work, to the LBS. It is a pretty new bike, only 600 miles, but that could have been enough time to loosen something that had not been broken in yet.
02-27-07, 08:10 AM
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new bike then absolutely it loosened and needs to be tightened. If you are within the period that most LBS offer for free adjustments then bring it to them and ask to see what they are doing, if you don't know what to do.
02-27-07, 09:25 AM
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it's easy but if you do it yourself don't overtighten the headset cap, you can just tighten enough to remove the play in the steerer. overtightening can wreck your bearings or mess up your starnut.
02-27-07, 10:23 AM
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The procedure for headset adjustment can be found here:
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
It's relatively easy and only requires an allen wrench. I would do the adjustment, and if you have any doubts, then take it to the LBS to have your work checked.
Bob
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
It's relatively easy and only requires an allen wrench. I would do the adjustment, and if you have any doubts, then take it to the LBS to have your work checked.
Bob
02-27-07, 11:26 AM
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Never ride your bike if the there is play in the headset. At slow speeds it may not be a concern, but on a fast descent, it could cause you to loose control.
Retighten the headset yourself by what the others above explained, or if you don't have any tools, take it to the LBS and have it done properly.
Most LBS's provide general free maintenance after you purchase your bike for up to 6 months, or even a year. This includes headset adjustments, cable tensioning, derailleur adjustments, etc.
Retighten the headset yourself by what the others above explained, or if you don't have any tools, take it to the LBS and have it done properly.
Most LBS's provide general free maintenance after you purchase your bike for up to 6 months, or even a year. This includes headset adjustments, cable tensioning, derailleur adjustments, etc.
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02-27-07, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by steaktaco
it's easy but if you do it yourself don't overtighten the headset cap, you can just tighten enough to remove the play in the steerer. overtightening can wreck your bearings or mess up your [B]starnut[/B].
Isn't that what happened to LA
