asmallsol

So after about a month of accumulating parts, I finally built up 2005 Specialized S-works (full carbon version) Anyways, I went for my first ride today, and I ran into a problem. For some reason, my headset is extremely stiff, and it takes a bit of force to move the handlebars. It was such a problem, I decided to leave from the group ride early because it felt that off. After I pulled off, I stopped, loosened the stem and the top screw and loosened the fork up, and it really help at all. What do you guys think could be the problem?

Pasqually

Are the bearings in upside down? being new you would expect it to be a little bit stiff, but not like you describe.

Take it back out and check everything is in straight and the correct way.

grahny

Sounds like you overloaded while preloading

Is the headset integrated? I've done this before and find it adjusts better if you remove the fork and have a 2nd go at it. So, loosen the stem, remove the cap, pull the fork. Put the fork back in, tighten the cap until it's just barely tight then give it like a 1/8-1/4 turn and check the fork movement. If it's too tight, back off a 1/8 turn to free it up... then tighten the stem bolts and hopefully you should be good to go.

fogrider

I had the same problem, either you got the wrong bearings or the parts are out of sequence.

oilman_15106

Isn't it almost impossible to but the bearings in upside down and still have the headset go together? My bet is the wrong headset is in play here.

steaktaco

well, first off—is there even a headset? It's one of those things with shiny, little balls. Like beaded jewelry.