Threadless headset won't get tight
 

I just installed a threadless headset with the help of local mechanics. I left the top cap to tighten at home because I didn't have the front wheel to help align everything at the shop.

So, now I'm home, tightening the balls out of this thing, and I can still move the wheel independently of the handlebars. Did I strip the star nut or top cap bolt? Or should I just keep trucking along and tightening? The Chris King manual says 4-10 in.-lb. of torque (15 max). I don't have a torque wrench, and have no idea what 15 in.-lb. of torque feels like.

you have to tighten the bolts on the stem, not the top cap.

yeah, i just came back here to post that i figured it out. feel stupid. let this thread die!

Not a chance. A mandatory 24 hr bumping is required.