Disclaimer: I'm a total newb and just bought my first ever road bike. Been mountain biking for a couple years, but have only had to do general maintenance so I have zero knowledge about even the most basic stuff when it comes to working on bikes.

just bought a Wabi Lightning off craigslist and as some of you saw in my other post, it had a headset riser and fugly bars. I just picked up some cheap bullhorns and a new stem. I need to pick up a headset cap and therein lies my question. I believe you tighten the headset cap first, then the stem, but wasn't sure how tight to make the headset cap bolt and whether or not I just tighten it, or tighten, then back off a hair??

Thanks.

I'm too lazy to look at your other post but if it's crabon you should go for what the torque specs are but if it's steel/aluminum, I just tighten it to where your headset doesn't have play in it and it turns smoothly. You are correct on tighten the headset cap first then the stem bolts.

If it makes a noise when you ride, it's too loose.
If it feels like grinding/resistance when you turn the bars, it's too tight.

From FSA's website:

"Where can I find torque specifications for my headset?
Since the bolt (threadless) exists to provide bearing preload only, there is no recommended torque value. The headset assembly requires adjustment through experience and depends on various component factors, such as steerer tube, type of compression or retention device, and the material of the bolt and cap itself."

Use the two methods to determine whether it's too loose: grab front brake and rock forward and back, feeling for any movement between the steerer and the frame, and the "drop test", listening for a loose sound. If there isn't movement or rattling, and it doesn't bind, you're good.

just take your time and be easy on the cap when you tighten it. after a bit your hands will know how tight it needs to be. after i tighten it juuuust enough i turn my bars and move the bike back and forth against the front wheel to check for play in the headset