Removing the preload cap from and aheadset up

[kaiser]

Could build a battery pack that maintains a preload from the bottom of the fork. I'm thinking of being able to remove the pack for charging.

 

[kaiser]

Maybe use something like this

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30683

utilise the body as a battery compartment and the head mounted on the bars.

 

[velomaniac]

Better idea for you kaiser, you can get headset spacers that comprise of two parts, one threaded within the other, you wind them apart with spanners to get preload thus you no longer need the top cap/ star fangled nut affair. Seen them on CRC

 

[Tad]

An excellent idea
What of the nightstick[cateye :?] that was pretty narrow.

What about...Bear with me on this
A dynamo :shock: ,it only runs when you're moving and can generate quite a bit of light.
Though i think future systems could use the front hub :?

Striding forward whilst looking backward

Someone beat you to it, can't remember the name of the firm but there is a company that make them specificaly for MTB night racing. They also re-charde a small battery so the light doesn't dim/go out when you slow down or stop.

 

[mikee]

Better idea for you kaiser, you can get headset spacers that comprise of two parts, one threaded within the other, you wind them apart with spanners to get preload thus you no longer need the top cap/ star fangled nut affair. Seen them on CRC

x-lite used to make them didn't they (ringo star ) iirc

 

[cyfa2809]

my thought was to use a hed doctor or stem plug as then you dont have to remove/insert star nut for preload
also, once i have done up my stem i loosen off the topcap slightly
another choice would be, if you had the correct fork. insert batteries or whatever and put a bolt through the hole where the legs meet the steerer, normally used for u brakes

 

[P20]

Better idea for you kaiser, you can get headset spacers that comprise of two parts, one threaded within the other, you wind them apart with spanners to get preload thus you no longer need the top cap/ star fangled nut affair. Seen them on CRC

x-lite used to make them didn't they (ringo star ) iirc

I thought it was USE :?

 

[jimihendrix]

Though i think future systems could use the front hub :?

Sturmey did/do a Dyno hub, spotted one on E-bay not so long ago.

Steerer/battery pack, Nicad charged with a Dyno hub, sounds like a great idea.

As others have said top cap serves no other use than preloading the headset, ran a few bikes without with no problems at all.

 

[PIGEON]

Only slightly related, but I just came across this: a multitool that stores inside the steerer of a Cannondale Lefty fork!

Might be old news and utterly useless for anyone who doesn't have a Lefty fork, but a cool idea none the less.