Steering / headset issues

[Veloscot]

This might be a daft question to some but while out on my road bike for the first time this year today, I noticed the steering didn't feel quite right. It takes a little effort to turn the bars - they seem to settle in the centre which made riding tight corners a little but sketchy. Is this a sign that the headset bearings are worn? I've not ever faced this problem before so not too sure how to diagnose it. Any help appreciated.

 

[rusty bearing]

Certainly sounds like your headset is 'indexed'. It's likely that new balls, grease and adjustment will sort the problem. A quick pic would help with type and maker Would help to give a more specific answer

 

[Veloscot]

Great, thanks. Actually the term 'indexed' you gave me helped me search for this on the web. It does indeed suggest that the bearings need replaced. It's a Ritchey headset but don't know how to attach images on this forum.

The road bike is four years old and has done about 7000 miles so probably due a proper service tbh.

Cheers

 

[rusty bearing]

If it's not had a service in that time then yep it's well due!

 

[e-rider]

it could just be too tight

 

[simonplatt]

I had this problem on both my motorbike and a couple of pedal bikes. it was just that the bearings were over-tight, re-adjusting cured the problem. I put it down to the fact that the cold weather caused expansion/contraction whilst stored for a while.
there has been no further problems with any of them.

 

[Broadside]

i've had this too and on inspection the lower race was pitted so I got my LBS to replace the headset as i didn't have the tools to tackle it at home. Mine went at 7,000 miles too incidentally.