Abril 27, 2005
Victor builds a bike, Part One dot Five
The part I'm most nervous about in building this bike is getting the headset adjusted correctly. I'm using a threadless headset, which is supposed to be easier to setup and adjust than the old-fashioned threaded headset is to setup. I've adjusted threaded headsets, and I can testify: They're a pain. Adjusting one of those is definitely more art than science.
No matter which type I was installing, though, the headset has more small parts than any other part of a bicycle--except for the chain, I guess, but I don't know anyone who takes apart and repairs/adjusts their chain.
I'm fortunate I have one headset that seems to have been installed and adjusted properly: the one on the old frame. I'm even more fortunate I took pictures of the headset as I removed the handlebar and stem:
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Top bits on the left; bottom bits on the right.
One minor problem is my new headset has more parts than the old one. Another problem is you'll notice the ball bearings, which allow the fork to turn smoothly, are in a bearing retainer. That makes it easier to get the proper number and size of bearings installed in the headset; OTOH, you have to make sure the bearings are facing the right way. In the pictures, you'll notice the bearings "face" toward each other. The mechanic I spoke with yesterday, and the manuals I'm reading, all say the bearings should face away from each other. It is, to say the least, a dilemma.
Should I screw up the installation and adjustment of this headset, I can take solace in the fact that a new headset and labor is relatively cheap.
Posted by Victor at Abril 27, 2005 10:22 PMRemember when I took my headset apart in the maintenance class? I put something back upside down and rode it that way for months, until Mike did my fit and noticed it.
Posted by: nic at Abril 28, 2005 07:34 AMYeah, I do remember that, but I think it was something *I* did that put that part in upside-down.
Posted by: Victor at Abril 28, 2005 09:31 AM