Originally Posted by PepeM (Post 19496045)

Took it to one shop, they figured that was the issue. Took it to the shop where I bought the bike, they told me that is usually what causes it (riding with loose headset) but that we can start a claim with Trek and see where it goes. I'll do that and hope for the best.

Question is, should I ride it as is or am I going to kill myself?

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496048)

I'd never heard of that happening before.

Originally Posted by PepeM (Post 19496028)

Turns out my headtube is ovalized and now I'm supposed to throw my frame into the bin. I guess it is downtube shifters for the state championship race. :(

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496054)

I'm sure that none of us will touch this with a ten-foot pole. :(

Originally Posted by jtaylor996 (Post 19496024)

Being from Tampa, and also being a marine scientist while living and working on the Bay, I've seen lots. I've been on little fishing boats at full throttle with dolphins keeping up and jumping just off the bow.

Dolphins in Tampa Bay were pretty aggressive, in my experiences. I've watched a pod kill a bull shark, another pod manage to corral and shred entire schools of fish to pieces, and have also watched them pull a drunk scottish fishermen into the water that was trying to "pet" them (you'd think there'd be a lot more to that story, but there's not). Oh and those bastards are also really good at stealing your live bait without getting the hook.

Anyways, there's a population of about 400 living in Tampa Bay, which is also the 3rd most shark infested body of water in the world... which is possibly why they're aggressive.

My lasting impression was just how wild these animals can be. I mean, duh, but there's something about a feral animal being that smart that is at odds with how they are portrayed in the media. Their big brothers (Orca) play catch with baby seals for fun. That's messed up.

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496068)

Ride your steel bike and do the best that you can. You might surprise yourself! :)

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496072)

Your Trek is aluminum, right? This sounds strange to me that the headtube would be altered like that.

Originally Posted by PepeM (Post 19496059)

Me neither. :(

Not really in a position to be spending money on bike stuff now, so I either keep riding it as is, or use the steel bike for racing. I'm ok with that but I am a bit wobbly when downtube shifting and fear I might get yelled at.

Originally Posted by PepeM (Post 19496082)

Probably the best plan. Don't think it is any slower than the other one tbh.



It is aluminum. Kind of stuff I wouldn't imagine just happens but I guess it does.

Originally Posted by Rowan (Post 19495056)

I think rjones' point is that the posts reflect the limitations of the thought processes... ie, that's all there is.

By the way, how is Debbie treating you these days?

Originally Posted by rpenmanparker (Post 19495141)

Little Debbie? She always aims to please.

Originally Posted by seedsbelize (Post 19494989)

What's your elevation in Rock Springs?

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496117)

Yes, I'd imagine it was grease and not oil; sometimes grease can get a little runny, too, though (depending also on the kind of grease that was used). I think you're fine as long as there is not play in the headset and that it turns (rotates) smoothly. If it is a threaded headset and it does not turn smoothly then that means the races are cupped.

Originally Posted by Rowan (Post 19496124)

Start a thread in the mechanics forum on how to fix an ovalised head tube. It maybe that the new products from Loctite being used in liberal quantities to try to solve BB30 et al issue might be useful in stabilising the bearings in a centred position.

Other than that, consider moving the shifters and other running gear from this bike to the steel one. Bit of work, but it can be done. Put cable stops with barrel adjusters on the mounts for the downtube shifters... they are pretty cheap and a fairly elegant solution to that location.

Originally Posted by Scarbo (Post 19496125)

When is your race, Pepe?

Originally Posted by Dan333SP (Post 19496126)

Well, I'm back from the best trip of my life. Great group of people + spectacular location on the other side of the world + best friend's wedding + delicious food everywhere = pure joy.

Now I'm just sitting here suffering a "back to reality" hangover. What'd I miss?

Originally Posted by Dan333SP (Post 19496144)

Da f.

My lancemobile's headset regularly loosens, but the worst consequence has just been bearing failure due to water ingress and a clunky feeling over bumps and while braking. Bearings are easily replaced and the headset is easily tightened. The actual headtube has never been "ovalized", but then again, I have a crabon bike which is far more serious than yours.

Originally Posted by PepeM (Post 19496028)

Turns out my headtube is ovalized and now I'm supposed to throw my frame into the bin. I guess it is downtube shifters for the state championship race. :(

Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets (Post 19496188)

Glad to see you've got a good excuse lined up!

Originally Posted by jtaylor996 (Post 19496024)

another pod manage to corral and shred entire schools of fish to pieces