[Mark]

Every time i tighten my headset down it becomes stiff, but ONLY when the bars are turned fully to the left or to the right, hence it's ok for the first bit of movement. What i can't understand is that this happens when the headset is just nipped up, not overtightend at all.

Both the frame and headset are only 3 months old and the bearings are in excellent condition. I've been told that the headtube needs to be faced.

Any suggestions??

Cheers.

 

[Motionboy2]

I agree that the head tube needs to be faced.

What kind of headset?

 

[Mark]

Originally posted by Motionboy2
I agree that the head tube needs to be faced.

What kind of headset?

It's an FSA sealed one, an Orbit XL 2 i think

 

[Motionboy2]

Was the head tube faced or anything when you got it and when you installed the headset what did you use?


I am standing by my initial diagnosis that you should have it faced then see what happens.

 

[VPSGuy]

I have that same headset and have the exact same problem, I can't figure out what is wrong, the headtube looks fine. How would I tell if it needs to be faced?

 

[Echo]

You probably can't tell by looking at it, but basically it means it isn't totally flat in relation from the top surface to the bottom surface. Some frames come with faced headtubes, many don't. Just about any bike shop should have the tool to do it, and it shouldn't cost more than $10-20 if I remember correctly.

 

[The Toninator]

I just had the same problem recently on my Dragon:
Had headset (aheadset or something, no problems) then i change to a Chris King and the topcap race thingy did seat properly. I turned out that the stem was actually faced off wrong and that was causing the bind. It did bother the old headset because it used a compression ring to seat the steer tube to the bearing. good luck