16
ADJUSTING THE HANDLEBAR STEM AND HEADSET
NOTE: The handlebar stem and headset are an integrated system.
Both must be adjusted at the same time.
1. To adjust the headset or stem, first loosen the two stem binder
bolts, then the adjuster bolt in the top cap.
2. Align the handlebar stem with the front wheel.
3. To remove play from the headset, begin by tightening the
adjuster bolt in the top cap. This will tighten the headset and
remove side to side movement of the fork. If the fork fails to
rotate freely, the adjuster bolt is too tight and needs to be
loosened.
WARNING:
Do not over tighten the adjuster bolt. Its function is
to adjust he headset. The stem binder bolts
’ function is to hold
the fork and stem in place.
4. Once the headset is adjusted, tighten the two stem binder bolts
to the recommended torque of 140 pounds per inch. Do not
over tighten these bolts.
WARNING: Do not over tighten the stem binder bolts and
handlebar binder bolts. Failure to properly tighten these
bolts may damage the handlebar and/or stem to fork
assembly. This may compromise the steering action,
causing you to possibly lose control, and possibly injure
yourself.
HANDLEBAR AND STEM
1. Assemble the stem to the fork:
If necessary, assemble the stem to bolt (4), washer (5), and
wedge nut (2) to the stem (1). Turn the stem bolt only four revolutions into the wedge nut.
Turn the stem bolt only four revolutions into the wedge nut (2). Point the stem toward the front
of the bicycle and put it into the locknut (7). Put the stem at a comfortable height for the rider.
WARNING:
To prevent steering system damage and possible loss of control, the MIN-IN
(minimum insertion) mark on the stem must be inside the locknut.
Make sure you cannot see the MIN-IN (minimum insertion) mark (3) on the stem above the
locknut.
Tighten the stem bolt just enough that the stem will not fall into the locknut.
2. Assemble the handlebar to the stem:
Put the handlebar (8) into the stem, but do not tighten the handlebar clamp (6) at this time.
Align the stem with the front wheel and tighten the stem bolt.
