Headset
Traditional headset
The headset connects the fork, the stem,
and the handlebar to the frame so that it
can turn.
To keep your bicycle travelling in a straight
line, you need to make small corrective
movements with the handlebar. This
requires highly free movement from the
headset, otherwise the effect of the
corrective movements would be exerted too late or with too great a
force, resulting in the under- or oversteering of the bicycle. This is
why ball- or needle bearings are used, as unlike the bearings of the
pedal or the hub, they do not make full revolutions but only move to
and fro within a small area. The forces transmitted from the road by
the wheel and the fork must be borne by the headset within this tiny
area. Due to the constant stress resulting from this, the headset
might become loose and badly adjusted.
If the headset is too loose, the shocks transmitted from the road will
exert too large a strain on the rear ball bearings. This stress leaves
its traces on the bearing shell regardless of the distance travelled.
Consequence: the handlebar will tend to get stuck, and
steering will not be free from resistance. In this case the
headset needs to be replaced.
Pay attention to the play of the headset, and readjust it if necessary.
With the correct setting, the resulting forces will be distributed
evenly across the bearings, and the handlebar will no longer get
stuck.
Maintenance and replacement
of brake pads
Check the brake system before
each ride. Make sure that the brake
lever begins to exert the braking force in a
position that is comfortable for you.
Check also the correct position and wear
of the brake pads. To assist the checking
of wear, the brake pads of cantilevered,
hydraulic, and rim brakes are marked with
grooves. If these grooves are no longer
visible, the brake pads need to be replaced.
On mechanically operated brake systems make sure that the
brake cable can move freely. Rusty or damaged brake
cables must be replaced immediately to prevent the malfunctioning
of the brake and resulting accidents.
After any operation performed on the brake system – e.g.
adjustment, replacement of brake cables or brake pads – check
the functioning of the brake with the bicycle at rest. Badly adjusted
brake pads can lead to faulty operation of the brake, and there is a
risk that the brake might become blocked, which could cause an
accident.
The correct setting of the brake requires a great deal of
dexterity and experience, as the brake contributes greatly to
the safety of the ride. If you would rather not perform this setting by
yourself, turn to a specialist service centre. An incorrectly adjusted
brake can cause serious mechanical damage to your bicycle. To
ensure the correct setting, please read the user guide provided by
the manufacturer of the brake system.
Figure 28
Figure 29
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