Gap between headtube and fork. HELP!
 

First, let me say thanks for the info I've received through lurking this forum. * I appreciate it.*

Bought a brand new Specialized Langster last week. * Today I switched the drop bars to a bullhorn style, and upgraded brake & lever. *

My question... *After taking off the stem I was careful to not let the fork slip thru the head tube, but it did slip about an inch. **

Now, there's a 2mm gap between the head tube and the fork. * Did I screw something up? * *AT NO TIME did I take off any bearings or bits, so I know nothing is missing or upside down. * *Also, I know there was NO GAP there before. * Did I unseat something? **

A quick check of the tension checks out (no clunk in headset, and not too tight either.. wheel flops side to side). * *Dirt/water will quickly destroy this and I know there was no gap prior. **

Anyone??? * Cheers

-Karl

i think i would... check that, i KNOW i would disassemble the headset/fork and see what's what.

and even though i may have a few ideas about the cause of the problem (who doesn't?) they would all necessitate reassembly, so there's no point in mentioning them. good luck.

A picture is worth a thousand words! Post a picture or two and your get much better responses.

Since it's brand new, the easy thing to do, is drop back into the dealer, explain and ask him to check.

OTOH, odds are something moved when the fork dropped and you didn't reseat it properly. How does the headset/steering feel?

Try flipping the bike over so gravity holds the fork in place. Now loosen the headset hardware and lift the fork enough to see into the lower bearing, and see if you can see the problem, or if some gentle maneuvering of the fork as you let it settle it back down can guide whatever had moved back home. Of you can settle the lower end in place, hold it there while you turn the bike back over and place it on the wheels right side up. Now gravity will hold the frame down on the fork, and you can assemble the upper end, attach the stem and spacers and adjust the headset.

For future reference, Do not loosen the stem of a threadless headset system unless the front wheel is on the ground.

How much was the gap before?

even though the OP stated that "Also, I know there was NO GAP there before." the question is, IMO, legitimate.

in fact that there MUST be a gap between the headtube and fork on an integrated headset to allow the fork to move freely.

i took the time to lake a peek at my two carbon framed bikes with integrated headsets. the gap on both is about 2mm.