Help with 57 Bianchi headset
10-09-23 | 04:44 PM
#1
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Help with 57 Bianchi headset
I recently picked up this 57 Bianchi and the headset has a little play in it. I wanted to tighten it up, but I don't see the traditional 2 lock nuts.
Anyone how to tighen this headset?
thank you.
Anyone how to tighen this headset?
thank you.
10-09-23 | 04:54 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: San Clemente
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 64 Bianchi Specialissima.
I'm pretty sure it's the knurled nut on the top. I forget, there may be some set screws. if that's the case make sure you loosen.
10-09-23 | 05:00 PM
#3
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NW Burbs, Chicago
See the bolt with the B on it? That is a clamp-on headset. Popular with track bikes, Bianchi and several English bikes.
Loosen the B bolt. Screw down the the knurled nut until the play is gone. Tighten B bolt. Give the knurled nut just a bit more turn and Bob's yer uncle.
Loosen the B bolt. Screw down the the knurled nut until the play is gone. Tighten B bolt. Give the knurled nut just a bit more turn and Bob's yer uncle.
10-09-23 | 05:15 PM
#4
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From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
And proceed with caution, overhaul should be on the table to gain familiarity and understanding given the question.
This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge you may never use again and make sure this lives on as it should.
This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge you may never use again and make sure this lives on as it should.
10-09-23 | 05:31 PM
#5
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the screws have holes on opposite ends so I think there is a special tool need for turning these. The top one I got off with a pipe wrench wrapped in cloth. I was able to move the clamp up a little.
10-09-23 | 05:36 PM
#6
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Alta California
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Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
10-09-23 | 05:54 PM
#7
Senior Member
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From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
10-09-23 | 06:21 PM
#9
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From: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
The VAR 13 ([pictured below on the left) is a great tool for the job (I have used it successfully with old Bianchi built-in headsets), but I don't think it is made anymore. They can be had on eBay, but are often spendy. [utag=458869]WilliamT, if you buy one, make 100% sure it has the two little screw-in pins. They can moved from being parallel (for adjustable BB cups - you can see the holes for this position in the photo) to pointing towards each other (perfect for the little holes in the headset cup/race and knurled top nut.) The tool is worthless without them. The wing nut allows for a wide range of adjustability.
VAR also made a purpose-designed set of pliers to use on the knurled nut while the VAR 13 was used on the cup/race. The pliers are pictured below on the right. I've used those, too, but they really aren't any better than using a pair of channel-lock pliers (with a rag to avoid leaving "scars"). The strap wrench shown by iab would probably work at least as well with less risk of surface damage to the knurled nut.
I think the best thing about the VAR tools actually is their appearance. Their is a certain Gallic, funky, almost rustic charm to them, at least to my eye
VAR also made a purpose-designed set of pliers to use on the knurled nut while the VAR 13 was used on the cup/race. The pliers are pictured below on the right. I've used those, too, but they really aren't any better than using a pair of channel-lock pliers (with a rag to avoid leaving "scars"). The strap wrench shown by iab would probably work at least as well with less risk of surface damage to the knurled nut.
I think the best thing about the VAR tools actually is their appearance. Their is a certain Gallic, funky, almost rustic charm to them, at least to my eye
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10-09-23 | 06:23 PM
#10
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Ok, I was able to remove all the upper parts and I used use a pick and hammer to tap the nut over a little more; just enough so there is no play.
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
10-09-23 | 06:52 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,174
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From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Ok, I was able to remove all the upper parts and I used use a pick and hammer to tap the nut over a little more; just enough so there is no play.
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
11-11-23 | 08:43 AM
#14
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Nice looking Bianchi, digging the mudguards. The CdI in the background looks nice too.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
