craig@hp-pcd.UUCP (craig) (12/08/84)
If your headset is giving you grief, you might also check to see if the headtube has been faced properly. Alot of bikes seem to be assembled without making sure the ends are parallel which means the headset has high and low spots which in turn means that you will be able to properly adjust the head set in about one position (as you turn the forks the headset gets looser or tighter). Craig Durland ...!hp-pcd!craig
scroggs@uiucdcsp.UUCP (12/13/84)
After a near-spill at about 30mph, I did adjust the headset. I even adjusted it to be little tight (according to a mechanic where I had purchased the vehicle). My adjustment method was to first tighten the headset to the point that I could not detect any looseness. I checked by applying the front brake and pushing it in all directions. Once I had been satisfied that there was no 'play' in the headset, I went for an adjustment ride. Each time I noticed that the bicycle was starting to wobble, I stopped and tightened the headset just a bit. I did this until the headset was restricting steering a little. This seems to have supressed the wobble, moving the 'danger speed' about 8mph higher, although my first test experience nearly resulted in a crash and has kept me from testing the upper limits (besides, there are many variable aspects to the situation, i.e. how tightly I hold onto the handlebars, position of my body). I think that I will try a new headset--next summer.