Hi guys, quick question:

On my Caad9 (2010), which has an IS headset, there is a small amount of play at the bottom of the headset during front braking. It's not much, and there is no play at the top- it's more of a slight "clunk, clunk" sound when braking starts and stops.

I'm dead positive it's in the headset and not the brake mount, but tightening the headset doesn't seem to help at all. Any ideas, or is this one I should take up with the dealer? The bike is only 5 months old and is still under warranty.

thanks!

Sounds like the headtube is ovalized at the bottom. Been in a front-end accident, or done any serious bunny-hops? Regardless, take it to the dealer if it's still under warranty.

Sounds like it may be a bit loose or you have an ovalized headtube/bearing race. Try adjusting the headset a bit but if you don't want to deal with it take it in to the shop.

New bike, see your LBS

Integrated headsets require a considerably higher preload than loose ball headsets. Add preload until you can feel the headset bind then back it off until it turns smoothly. That should get rid of the play. It's highly unlikely that a 5 month old bike has a damaged headtube.

no abuse or accidents that I can remember- it's just sorta gradually happened. I'll try tightening it to the point of binding and then back off a little and see if that does it. Thanks for the help!

just a quick follow up in case anyone else searches this thread- JoeJack was right, it was loose. SI headsets seem to require a buttload of preload to function properly- enough to make me extremely nervous to apply to a carbon steerer. It's working great now though.

thanks guys!

My CAAD9 seems to have this same clunk noise. How do I go about applying preload to the headset? Thanks for the help!

www.parktool.com

Look for the Repair section and then go to Headsets. It's a simple process but very easy to screw up so follow all of the directions and if you are unsure of anything, ask first.

anyone knows the caad9 5 2010 fork steerer stack height? the cannondale website photo seems very low..