I might get the terminology incorrect, so please bear with me. I have a 2007 Fuji Cross Comp that I purchased last year. When I push forward on the handlebars I notice that a little play has developed either in the headset or the Fork Crown. I have tightened everything on the stem that I can see, and it still has the play. It is especially noticeable when I have to get on the front brake hard. Is this normal? If sitting still it feels like the front wheel moves forward so much that the brake grabs. It is still under warranty, so I can take it back if necessary, but I want to make sure I eliminate anything simple before going to the shop, it is far enough away that I would have to drive, and I would rather not do that. Any help would be appreciated, I hope I was clear enough.

It might also be beneficial to add that I am usually stopping with the front brake since I have a motocross background. Is it inadvisable to use the front brake for 90% of stopping power? Maybe I was too hard on it?

Take it back to the shop. If there is a problem with the headset, just randomly tightening things may void any warranty claim you try to make. As for braking, you are not doing anything that would cause damage. The front brake on a bike causes the same weight and inertial shifting as on a motorcycle or car. You may want to try shifting your weight back under heavy braking, and using both brakes.

Take it to the shop and have them readjust the headset and show you how it's done. Tightening the stem bolts in the wrong sequence does nothing useful.

I agree with HillRider. Have the shop show you how it's done.

As for usage of the front brake - once your headset is adjusted properly again, go ahead, use the front brake all you want. After all, it is the most powerful brake. Using it should never cause the headset to untighten itself.

Thanks guys, I will take it down this weekend.

Did you tighten in the correct order? First, loosen the stem clamp bolts, then tighten the top adjusting bolt, then retighten the stem clamp bolts.

No, I did not do it correctly, I watched a youtube video on it, seemed pretty straightforward. I will probably take it in thought just to make sure everything is as it should be, no bearing problems or anything.

Although you may want to take the bike to the shop for them to look at it, adjusting a threadless headset is a relatively simple task. Look here (about 3/4 of the way down) in the section called "Headset Adjustment - Threadless Type". Their instructions are pretty clear.

You may want to check and see if it is the headset first, however. With the front brake engaged - and you off the bike- rock the bike back and forth. You can feel the headset moving. However, the front wheel bearings and the brakes can have a similar feel. Put your hand behind the fork and do the same rocking motion. If you release the brake, rock the bike and still feel the same motion, it's likely that the headset is loose. If not, you may have a loose brake caliper.

^^^Perfect, thanks for that, I will make sure when I get home. I enjoy wrenching I just know VERY little about how to right now. Trying to learn though. I don't like waiting on shops.

Most cyclists who go on to become good bike-mechanics in their own right - and have all the right tools that go with this - would never consider letting a LBS anywhere near their machines. This says something. But I won't say what.

The LBS becomes nothing more than a part's bin for these folks. Unless some truly expensive tool is needed. Then it becomes a matter of affordability.

Thanks for all the pointers and links guys. I got it whipped tonight, no more play.

Wasn't that easy?

Very.....