mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
Are you thinking it's the one at the top of the head tube that controls how tight the top bearings are?
Handlebars won't steer front wheel - still salvageable?
- Thread starter Alorel
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
The wedge and bolt of the stem seem a bit rusty. Squirt a bit of oil or grease over the threads of the long bolt and clean off the rust from the wedge.
The stem which fits inside the steerer tube of the frame should have a mark for max extension.
You set height of theb stem then tighten the wedge bolt a little. This should hold the stem in place and permit you to rotate to line the handlebars with the wheel direction. Once they are aligned, tighten a bit more. You should not be able to rotate the bars relative to the wheel, using hand strength.
I also note that you have a straddle wire on your brakes. If the main brake cable snaps, this straddle wire will fall onto the tyre and cause an instant stop. This can be quite dangerous. Fit something for the straddle wire to fall onto, either a mudguard or a front reflector mount.
All of these bits are safety critical, so make sure they are done right.
The stem which fits inside the steerer tube of the frame should have a mark for max extension.
You set height of theb stem then tighten the wedge bolt a little. This should hold the stem in place and permit you to rotate to line the handlebars with the wheel direction. Once they are aligned, tighten a bit more. You should not be able to rotate the bars relative to the wheel, using hand strength.
I also note that you have a straddle wire on your brakes. If the main brake cable snaps, this straddle wire will fall onto the tyre and cause an instant stop. This can be quite dangerous. Fit something for the straddle wire to fall onto, either a mudguard or a front reflector mount.
All of these bits are safety critical, so make sure they are done right.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Stand with the wheel between your legs, as you tighten it centre the bars, then tighten all the way.
This video should go through how to adjust your handlebars. It covers how to loosen them as well.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErUafGLsdGU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErUafGLsdGU
Widge
Baldy Go
Lots of good guidance here......but I think the technical term here....'its sh@gged mate...' (as in the new Ladybird Book Of car Mechanics for Grown-Ups).
Much as I like being reasonably self sufficient in bike maintenance....this is something I would take to a bike-shop and throw (probably not much) money at.
Headsets, wedges, bearings etc can be a bit tricksy...whereas a lot of other bike stuff can be done with a handful of allen keys and a 4 pack of lager!
Just my opinion,you understand?
Good luck and keep us informed won't you?
Best
w
Much as I like being reasonably self sufficient in bike maintenance....this is something I would take to a bike-shop and throw (probably not much) money at.
Headsets, wedges, bearings etc can be a bit tricksy...whereas a lot of other bike stuff can be done with a handful of allen keys and a 4 pack of lager!
Just my opinion,you understand?
Good luck and keep us informed won't you?
Best
w
Last edited:
T4tomo
Legendary Member
It just needs the expander bolt tightening, one Allen key and no lager needed!
The OP has no doubt got it fixed by now.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Dont know where you got the 'sha**ed' from but it can be done with one Allen key and you won't even need the lager.
Andy_R
Hard of hearing..I said Herd of Herring..oh FFS..
- Location
- County Durham
'tis probably best if you put your allen keys in a locked box where you can't get at them, and stick to the lager
Widge
Baldy Go
OK guys........
I obviously need to just stick to the lager!
I've rebuilt many a bike with allen keys and lager....but on occasion left headsets and bottom brackets for my LBS who have all the headset presses and crank/bb removal tools to hand.
Clearly I'm a wimp when it comes to bike know-how! Sometimes it's comforting to know it has all been 'done-right' when you are xtarting out. But - having said that....health and safety aren't all they're cracked up to be?
I didn't realise the op had just fixed it with a deft flick of the allen key, Sorry!
In future I'll stop assuming that self-confessed noobs ever need the dreaded 'bike-shop' fix.I've still got a lot to learn.
I obviously need to just stick to the lager!
I've rebuilt many a bike with allen keys and lager....but on occasion left headsets and bottom brackets for my LBS who have all the headset presses and crank/bb removal tools to hand.
Clearly I'm a wimp when it comes to bike know-how! Sometimes it's comforting to know it has all been 'done-right' when you are xtarting out. But - having said that....health and safety aren't all they're cracked up to be?
I didn't realise the op had just fixed it with a deft flick of the allen key, Sorry!
In future I'll stop assuming that self-confessed noobs ever need the dreaded 'bike-shop' fix.I've still got a lot to learn.
Last edited: