To avoid damaging the headset, do not tighten the bottom headset
screw with too much force!
The correct setting of the headset requires dexterity and
experience. If you would rather not perform this setting by
yourself, turn to a specialist service centre. An incorrectly adjusted
headset can cause serious mechanical damage to your bicycle.
“A-head” headset
With an “A-Head” headset the stem plays an important role in its correct
setting. In this system, the stem is secured not with a socket screw, but
on the threadless external part of the fork tube. If you notice any play
(you will find its description in the chapter entitled: “Checking the play
and free rotation of the headset”) undo the screws on the side of the
stem (Figure 7) and using the correct Allen key, tighten the headset
adjusting socket screw on the top of the stem.
To avoid damaging the headset, do not tighten its adjustment
screw too much!
Next, adjust the headset so that it is positioned vertically over the front
wheel. Tighten the bolts on the stem and check the play and free
movement of the handlebar.
The correct setting of the headset requires dexterity and
experience. An incorrect setting could damage the headset or lead
to the breakage of the fork, putting yourself and your bicycle in grave
danger. If you would rather not perform this setting by yourself, turn to a
specialist service centre.
Figure 6
Figure 7
Checking the play and free rotation of the headset
1.
To check the play of the headset, squeeze the front brake
lever, and place one finger of your other hand around the
headset. Next, try to move your bicycle backwards and
forwards while keeping the brake lever squeezed. If you
notice any ”knock”, it means that the headset has play, and
must be readjusted to eliminate it.
2.
To check the free rotation of the headset lift up slightly the
front of your bicycle and turn the handlebar from the right to
the left until its stopping points. The handlebar should not get
stuck in any position.
Adjusting a traditional headset
To adjust a traditional headset, you will need two flat spanners ( 32, 36
or 40 mm, depending on the diameter of the headset). Stand in front of
your bicycle, and hold the handlebar tight with your legs. Place both
spanners onto the screw of the headset, and undo the top counternut.
Next, tighten the bottom screw until the play of the headset ceases.
Leave the bottom screw in the position you have set, and screw the
counternut on it. When the counternut touches the screw of the
headset, the latter (bottom screw) must be pulled in the direction of the
counternut (upwards) to prevent the subsequent loosening of the
headset.
Pulling the screw in the opposite direction can increase the play
of the headset!
Please check again the play and free rotation of the headset. If the
headset is too tight or too loose, repeat the adjustment
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