Aheadset issues

cchris2lou · Feb 28, 2013

Another question you.

I have an integrated aheadset on my kinesis cross bike.

It keeps coming loose and if I tighten it too much, I can't steer.

The front of the bike feels weird, I can't let go of the bars .

Is it the aheadset? Wheel not centred properly?

Driving me nuts.

chipper · Feb 28, 2013

Headset , lower bearing is worn/seized.Could also be a mismatch or incorrect parts fitted ,there my guesses without seeing it .

mattr · Feb 28, 2013

Something might be upside down in there, but if its coming loose, a bit of fibre grip gel between the steerer and stem once its all snugged up might help.
Just swinging on the top cap bolt until you can't steer won't fix anything.

mattr · Feb 28, 2013

Oh, the stock kinesis headsets are rubbish. We've currently got 4 kinesis frames, two fitted with mudguards before they were ever ridden and two "race day only" cx bikes. None of the headsets lasted more than a handful of months before the bottom race seized. Even filling the cups with grease before hand doesn't work.

(and if you've over tightened it, you may have destroyed/brinnelled the bearings, will leave you with an indexed headset.)

cchris2lou · Feb 28, 2013

Thanks for the advice.

Went to get a new headset, but would not fit in the frame.
Old one is a Cane Creek, with sealed bearing at the top and loose balls in a cage at the bottom. Trouble is that there is a part which is seized into the frame in the bottom cup.

tiermat · Mar 1, 2013

On the social ride last night, on of the guys was saying he was having an issue with his Hewitt. If he tightened the headset up he got "notchy" steering, but if he loosened it off so it was smooth the fork actually moved in the headset.

After a bit of reading he found that the bearings were put in the wrong way round, easy enough to do as the instructions are vague and not very clear. One side has a 45degree angle on it and one side is straight. Flipping one of the bearing over (the top set) made it better, but he now needs to drop the forks out and do the bottom set.

cchris2lou · Mar 1, 2013

Thanks for all the advice, bought a new aheadset and it is fine.

mattr · Mar 2, 2013

cchris2lou":lfrnws9e said:
Thanks for the advice.

Went to get a new headset, but would not fit in the frame.
Old one is a Cane Creek, with sealed bearing at the top and loose balls in a cage at the bottom. Trouble is that there is a part which is seized into the frame in the bottom cup.

I think this is your problem, loose balls in a cage are probably an exploded cartridge bearing.... The wife's Cane Creek did the same (twice, on two bikes).
Don't think Cane Creek do a caged ball headset.

cchris2lou · Mar 2, 2013

was a pain to get the cage out , a bit nervous about using a dremmel into a headtube . first ride this morning and it works a treat .
but snapped the chain !

Aheadset issues

cchris2lou

chipper

Retro Guru

mattr

Old School Grand Master

mattr

Old School Grand Master

cchris2lou

tiermat

Retro Guru

cchris2lou

mattr

Old School Grand Master

cchris2lou

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