Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Headset and stem question...sequence question

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Headset and stem question...sequence question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-20-15 | 09:20 AM
  #1  
xiaoman1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Freshman Member
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
Community Builder
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5,864
Likes: 4,152
From: City of Angels

Bikes: A few too many

Headset and stem question...sequence question

Hello,
When I am trying to install my stem into the head tube I am having difficulty. If the head set nut is not tightened the stem will insert into the tube easily, after it is adjusted the stem seems to bind/tight. The stem will also slide into the fork tube when not installed on the frame.
This is a new build, but the parts are from the correct so no issues of compatibility.

My questions are:
1. should the nut be left loose and stem inserted and then tightened?
2. Do I need a taller shim in the stack incase the nut is binding on the fork tube?
3. Is there a sequence to install....do I leave the nut loose and set stem height and then tighten?
Regards, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire

Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors



xiaoman1 is offline  
Reply
Old 09-20-15 | 09:26 AM
  #2  
Homebrew01's Avatar
Super Moderator
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,979
Likes: 1,154
From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut

Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales

Is this an old style 1" threaded headset and quill stem ??
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.

FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Homebrew01 is offline  
Reply
Old 09-20-15 | 10:01 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

You sort of answered your own question. The stem binds if the locknut is tight, so install it first, then tighten the locknut.

The issue is concentricity. When tightened, the locknut isn't perfectly concentric with the ID of the fork. This is fairly common, and nothing to worry about. But if the fork ID and locknut ID are both close fits for the stem (as they should be), they'll slide on individually, but not as a pair when one is slightly offset (not concentric).

Minor issues of alignment are common in all sorts of assemblies, and your bike is no different. That's why many assemblies call for inserting and attaching ALL hardware before tightening any. Failure to follow that sequence is what has people throwing fits when the last nut and bolt won't fit through the (now) misaligned holes.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site

An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.

Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.

“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN

WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FBinNY is offline  
Reply
Old 09-20-15 | 10:13 AM
  #4  
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast

Bikes: 8

in threaded headsets , if the top nut screws onto the top edge of the fork steerer before It contacts the adjustable cup -nut

then the adjustment will come loose quickly.. so the stack may require a spacer

so The top and cup nuts tighten against each other (2 wrenches required)

before the top nut bottoms out against the end of the threaded fork steerer.
fietsbob is offline  
Reply
Old 09-20-15 | 11:34 AM
  #5  
xiaoman1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Freshman Member
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
Community Builder
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5,864
Likes: 4,152
From: City of Angels

Bikes: A few too many

Originally Posted by FBinNY
You sort of answered your own question. The stem binds if the locknut is tight, so install it first, then tighten the locknut.

The issue is concentricity. When tightened, the locknut isn't perfectly concentric with the ID of the fork. This is fairly common, and nothing to worry about. But if the fork ID and locknut ID are both close fits for the stem (as they should be), they'll slide on individually, but not as a pair when one is slightly offset (not concentric).

Minor issues of alignment are common in all sorts of assemblies, and your bike is no different. That's why many assemblies call for inserting and attaching ALL hardware before tightening any. Failure to follow that sequence is what has people throwing fits when the last nut and bolt won't fit through the (now) misaligned holes.
Thanks,
Old style H.S.....That is what I thought but wanted to ask those with more knowledge.
Regards, Ben
close thread
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire

Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors



xiaoman1 is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mattk42
Classic & Vintage
7
11-17-17 01:32 PM
mymorningjacket
Bicycle Mechanics
5
07-28-17 10:46 AM
Monkey D.Luffy
Bicycle Mechanics
8
12-22-14 05:54 AM
TurbineBlade
Bicycle Mechanics
11
08-29-12 08:17 AM
panamapete
Bicycle Mechanics
8
07-16-11 02:34 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.