Stiff steering

[juliancantride]

I installed my headset about a week and a half ago now. At first the steering was a little bit stiff eg. when you spin the bars around they dont spin freely, they stop about a quarterway around.

At first I thought this would just go away after I wore it in a bit but the problem has persisted. I've loosened all the stem bolts, headset cap, re-lubed the headset but it's still stiff.

Has anyone had this problem and how did you solve it?

Cheers.

 

[tidlibitz]

when you tightne the top cap dont tighten the shit out of it just d it up so the forks arnt wobbly

 

[Tomas]

Overtightening of the top cap. You're obviously running an open ball headset, non-cartridge type based on your relubrication description.

 

[$$Noble$$]

bearing cups in the wrong way. change them around

 

[Adamski]

I'd just loosen your stem bolts..loosen the headset cap in small increments until the steering frees up but not too loose that the steerer moves in the headset then tighten the stem again.

 

[Welshy]

Everything is stiff for a while.

I repacked my headset a while ago with new grease, it was really stiff until the grease wore in and let the bearings move freely again.

 

[shane_2Kona]

(EDIT) Sorry. didnt finish reading your question and posted. Sorry

 

[dh damo]

steerer bent?

 

[juliancantride]

steerer bent?

I hope not, brand new fork, tried loosening the top cap a little bit, it's a bit looser but still a little bit stiff, I'll ride a bit for a week to see if things loosen up a bit more.

 

[ovadahill]

... I'll ride a bit for a week to see if things loosen up a bit more.

Are you sure you want to add a weeks worth of damage to your already questionable installation?

Seek help - LBS

 

[mrcurlyhead]

crown race isnt in properly my friend

 

[Gekigengar]

Head tube not properly faced/reamed?

 

[Perpetual-Motion]

I'd suggest you pull it apart, check that the race is all the way down on the steerer, Inspect the bearings, Check the internals of your bikes' head tube for scaring. Do not ride that bike there is something wrong with your assembly or your head tube is ovalised. There's no way your steering should be like that Even if you tightened the shit outa crown you should still be able to turn the handlebars all the way round. If your unsure go and see a shop at least if something goes wrong you can blame some one who should have known proper instal protocol

 

[Pete J]

Maybe the cups just aren't installed properly, they might not be square resulting in that stiffness you mentioned as well as the poor spinning motion.

crown race isnt in properly my friend

Or that.... ^^