installed rigid forks on old frame but there's "play" (newbie)
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Scotland
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
installed rigid forks on old frame but there's "play" (newbie)
hi all, I'm a newbie when it comes to biking so please bear with me.
I have an old GT frame and some spare parts from an old specialized rockhopper. I have tried installing the old rigid forks to the frame and have used the old headset stuff from the GT. (tioga headset). I followed a diagram from here ; https://www.webmountainbike.com/headset1.html . When it went on about Crowns etc I didn't really understand it and basically just put it together using common sense...but I think I have definitely messed up somewhere as there is a good bit of play in the fork/headset as when i force the front brake on and move forward it is definitely noticible. The steering seems OK as when i move the forks left and right is is fairly smooth...
heres a pic;
Anyone know of how I can fix this "play" problem?
I have an old GT frame and some spare parts from an old specialized rockhopper. I have tried installing the old rigid forks to the frame and have used the old headset stuff from the GT. (tioga headset). I followed a diagram from here ; https://www.webmountainbike.com/headset1.html . When it went on about Crowns etc I didn't really understand it and basically just put it together using common sense...but I think I have definitely messed up somewhere as there is a good bit of play in the fork/headset as when i force the front brake on and move forward it is definitely noticible. The steering seems OK as when i move the forks left and right is is fairly smooth...
heres a pic;
Anyone know of how I can fix this "play" problem?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 175
Bikes: 1982 Bianchi Superleggera (restored with NOS campagnolo components), 1987 Bianchi Campione Del Mundo, 1995 Bianchi Denali (M900/950 XTR components, viscous cycles rigid fork, mavic ceramics), 1996 Specialized Hardrock (winter beater, 8 speed XT group
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Are the headset and fork both "1" inch?
There is also a recent post concerning variations in "1" inch headsets.
See:https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/206322-1-headset-doesn-t-fit-1-fork-steerer-tube.html
There is also a recent post concerning variations in "1" inch headsets.
See:https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/206322-1-headset-doesn-t-fit-1-fork-steerer-tube.html
#3
TreadHead
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 151
Bikes: '95 Klein Pulse, '98 Klein Pulse [Single Speed], Mosh (Gaint) 24" bmx cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Did you tighten the top bolt first? then the side bolts?
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Scotland
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The fork is 1 1/8" and the aheadset is the same. both circa 1997/98. Also yes I did tighten the top bolt into the steerer first and then did the side ones on the stem.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Suburban Boston
Posts: 473
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Did you use the crown race from the old GT frok and out it on the rigid? There could be a difference in the race that will not allow the bottom bearing to set properly. Have you tried loosening the stem bolts and tightening the cap bolt. You may not have had the assembly tight enough on your first attempt and things kinda settled in. Grab the front brake and slowly adjust the cap bolt until you don't feel the play. Don't just crank down on the bolt to take upplaythough as the fork must be able to rotate easily. Also Park Tools website has some good info on this. https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
EDIT: Looking more closely you may have the compression ring on upside down. Look athe the picture here https://store1.yimg.com/I/webmountainbike_1901_14885634
The part in question is the piece that is below the bottom silver spacer. If this is the compression ring and it is on wrong it may not allow the bearings to stay tight
EDIT: Looking more closely you may have the compression ring on upside down. Look athe the picture here https://store1.yimg.com/I/webmountainbike_1901_14885634
The part in question is the piece that is below the bottom silver spacer. If this is the compression ring and it is on wrong it may not allow the bearings to stay tight
Last edited by bidaci; 06-27-06 at 11:41 AM.