Rotation Limiting Headset Hunt.
 

I need help finding a solution to keep my handlebars from rotating and hitting my top tube. Here are a few things that I have looked at and dismissed for various reasons.
-Hopey (A nice damped solution but not quite the thing)
-V.O. Spring thing wheel stabilizer (I considered this, but it looks a bit bad with the plastic collar, and more importantly the spring is not robust enough to keep the fork from turning with a heavy load)
-Acros Block Lock AZ-44BL (cannot get it with external cups if anyone knows of a similar type that would be awesome) I have seen that REI sources a similar headset it is branded FSA but not made by them. REi cannot source a new one for me either
-Flickstand (Like the V.O. wheel stabilizer I don't like the look of a plastic collar on the down tube, plus it doesn't work well with my fenders)
-A simple Strap around the front wheel and down tube (this is a little too fiddly for me to use every time I stop and load/unload)
-A kickstand ( I already have a pleather and it works great but the front still rotates under a load.
-Batavus Headset Lock (these look great but seem only to be made for 1" threaded whereas mine is 1 1/8" threadless
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Thanks, but I am looking for something to keep the wheel stable while I am out, like loading groceries and such.

On my touring bike I use a length of double sided velcro (called One-Wrap) and wrap it around my wheel and down tube. Holds the front wheel in position and can be easily installed and removed. I store it wrapped around the head tube.

mike

+1

Thanks Mike,
I use this method currently, but I really don't care for it. while it is the most practical in many regards, and by far the cheapest, it becomes tedious when trying to wrangle a fully loader porteur rack and putting the strap back away.

+1. I use this too, particularly when hanging my bikes. Works great.

http://ziligy.com/photos/posts/OneWrapOnWheel.jpg

OOPS, just saw the OP negated this concept, but I'll leave my post for others to see what we are talking about.

Not sure what you're contemplating would be practical because anything that permanently-springy would probably make normal steering messy. Maybe a pin-lock or electro-magnet?

What I am really looking for is something like the Acros or Batavus headsets. (I'm sorry I cant yet post url links to show you what I mean)
Basically the Acros has elastomers that limit the rotation of the handlebars to about 160 degrees. It was more widely implemented with DH and DS bikes to protect the top tube (and rider) during crashes.
Batavus is a dutch maker of mostly urban bikes, they have implemented a rather simple twist lock on the headset that effectively locks the headset in place.

I really want something elegant as I have put significant time in tarring my bike up.

Huh? So you already know what you want??

For me 17,500 touring miles it's never been an issue.

Yes, I have an idea of what I would like, though I am open to new suggestions, and actively seeking them out. However neither the Acros nor the Batavus seem to be available for 1 1/8" external cup threadless. And unfortunately for me I am no where ne Germany nor the Netherlands to inquire with shops more familiar with said companies products.

Looks like eBay might be your answer: Outsmart Tuff Trick Set Head with Steering stop Frame protection MTB Road Acros | eBay

Thanks, I saw this and thought it was the beans, but if I am seeing it correctly it looks like a zero set rather than external cups (44 vs 34mm) anyway I have set up an ebay search in the hope that something like this pops up.

It looks like that eBay listing offers three different types. The 1-1/8 Ahead is the one you want I believe. Why not contact the seller to confirm?

My wife carries a hair scrunchie on her bike. When she parks, she doubles it up and slips it over her brake lever, engaging the brake. The bike does not move, and does not fall. Problem solved. I do the same thing now, except I use a fat rubber band. I saw what the wife was doing, and I said to her, "Honey, get me a rubber band, and make it snappy!" :innocent:

The rubber band around the brake lever also serves to slow down theft of a fully loaded touring bike.

I have a Velcro X-C ski strap I leave on the handlebars in the summer for this purpose.

It also makes a good parking brake on slopes, ferries, and trains.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...abeecccf66.jpg

I suspect front wheel flop is more of a problem when using a kick stand.

Tout Terrain Silk Road Touring Bike Frames Feature a Stop.. in their Design.



My Koga WTR came with a 2nd mini kickstand fitting on the left low rider rack bottom edge, seen here..
http://www.cyclofiend.com/working/im...-3P1010008.jpg
Now Tubus racks offers an add on accessory to get that feature

on all their low rider sets.. tubus - Ständer mit Adapterplatte für Lowrider

That you can add.

then there is Click Stand http://www.click-stand.com/ prop stand for bikes without kickstands, carrying touring loads, that uses the locked on brake lever band As well .

Custom made for you by one Guy up the coast from here in Washington state.





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You are correct that the double legged pletcher exacerbates the wheel flop, and for that reason I usually put a strap around the wheel and down tube. It is not much of a problem on tours but for a townie runabout I would love to be able to just toss my shopping onto the rack and be off without any fiddling. Obviously this is not a huge issue but I suspect there is a solution out there that doesn't involve fiddling with any straps. I (we?) am always looking for a better setup its part of what I like about cycling, the total mechanical control and upgrading process.

Thanks,
This looks really interesting, how do you find it to use in operation?

No problem other than the occasional scraping sound when I forget to kick it back Up.

The bike (mine) is their 04 World Tour .. Now you get them as a Signature Built to Order, From their NL factory Menu.

After the strap it seems the spring stabilizer is the next most simple, time tested, classic and easy to implement solution. You could remove the plastic sheath.

I lean my bike against a wall.

Lots of Walls in DC..

Thanks, I guess...