head set tightening

[Palaeodom]

Hi, I've just upgraded my stem and the head set is now a little loose. I have tried a couple of things to get it really tight and for the shock stem to not move within the frame head but can't quite get it right. Does anyone know a cunning method of getting this right?

[David Marshall]

We need a bit more detail as to which type of headset you have.  If it is a threadless headset (that is the steerer tube on the shock does not have threads) it is usually tightened with the cap on top.  This usually has a bolt with an allen key head going through it into a star lock nut/washer contraption that jams inside the tube.  Some of them have an expanding bung instead and then the bolt usually expands the bung and the cap itself is threaded to tighten everything up.  Make sure you tighten the cap before you tighten the stem bolts.  Check that the steerer tube is not flush or proud of the stem.  It must be recessed a couple of mm to allow the cap to be tightened - it may be that the clamp section on your new stem  is slightly smaller than your old one and the steerer itself is preventing tightening.  If this is the case you will need to add an extra or bigger spacer below the stem. 

 

Check out the ParkTool website to get the details for your specific headset.  Good luck.

 

[Palaeodom]

Thanks it does look like the steerer tube on the shock comes up a little too high and so the cap is not tightening it. I shall get another spacer to ensure the fit. Do the spacers have to be placed below the new stem or can i put one above it? If all the spacers are below it then the handle bars sit a little too high for my liking.

[Muddy]

You can move some of the spacers to be above the the stem or you can shorted the steerer. Above is fine because cutting the steerer should be a last resort. If you ever needed more length you're screwed.

 

 

[AndreZA]

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-threadless-headset/

[Zula]

Here is what to do, I had the same problem

 

 

 

1. Loosen all the bolts on the stem and the headset

 

2. Tighten the headset bolt first (the one on the top), this pulls the fork up and into the headset

 

3. Then tighten the bolts on the stem after making sure your bar is straight

[Mecnic]

Thanks it does look like the steerer tube on the shock comes up a little too high and so the cap is not tightening it. I shall get another spacer to ensure the fit. Do the spacers have to be placed below the new stem or can i put one above it? If all the spacers are below it then the handle bars sit a little too high for my liking.

 

I would advise to add 1 more 5mm or 10mm spacer on top and further you can put spacer above or below the stem it doesn't matter.

 

Hope it helps