Bike Tutor Repair Guide / , ,

33. How to Adjust a Threadless Headset

Learn how to check the adjustment of a threadless (Aheadset) and align the handlebars.

IMPORTANT: Nuts and bolts on your bike should always be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.
How to Adjust a Threadless Headset

In today’s tutorial, we’ll learn how to adjust a threadless headset, otherwise known as an ‘Aheadset. For this job, you’ll need either a 5mm or a 6mm allen key, depending on your stem.

To loosen the stem, simply turn the allen key on top counter-clockwise a few turns. Don’t remove it completely. Then loosen the two bolts on the side. Now your stem should turn freely.

To check if the headset is tight, lift the front of the bike off the ground. The handlebar should rotate freely and fall to one side or the other. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to loosen the top bolt a little bit and try it again.

To check for play, hold the front brake, place one hand on your headset, and rock the bike forward and backward. If the headset is loose you’ll feel it, and you’ll have to tighten the top bolt a little bit.

Once the adjustment is set, check the alignment. I find it easiest to line up the stem with the front wheel while you’re sitting on the bike. Once the handlebar is straight, tighten the two stem bolts and check the adjustment again just to be sure.

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01/16 Non-threaded headset maintenance

My trusty road bike is approaching 6000 miles on it. Not much replaced due to good routine maintenance I've been doing. Would non-threaded headsets need maintenance though? Couldn't find much information, but I haven't looked deep. Thought I'd invoke the brain trust here. Occasionally I'll wipe away grease that escapes to the outside of the frame. Not much comes out, maybe wiping once or twice a year. The headset is sort of loose, in that the wheel turns very easily. I don't feel any play in it, nor any rough spots while the wheel is spinning and the wheel turned while lifted off of th... Read more >>

01/06 1 1/4 Inch Headset

I'm rebuilding an old Cannondale Killer V. The problem I've hit is the headset is an 1 1/4 inch size which is not readily available. Does anyone know where I can source this size of headset from?... Read more >>

10/03 Headset parts

I recently bought a new 1" headset for my bike. Unfortunately the fork was too long for the headtube, so the LBS cut the thread a little bit longer for me. The upshot is that there is a little bit too much thread for headset. The LBS advised that I could add spacers - which I have done. The new headset's lock nut is a little thinner however the old headset's lock nut is somewhat more substantial and makes up the gap effectively. My question is can I use the lock nut from the old headset? also there are three headset spacers on this threaded fork see pic ; 2 x 5mm and an alloy one . Is that ... Read more >>

07/05 Homemade Cup Press

Works smooth as silk and does BB cups also... Read more >>

06/13 Headset bearings

Hi My old threaded headset had loose bearings. I am going to replace them. Can I use caged bearings or should I go back to loose bearings? is there any hard and fast rules? Thanks... Read more >>

06/08 Rusted Headset bearing race

Hey, I have an old 70's road bike that must have sat outside in the rain a bit. I'm having issues getting the front fork top bearing race off. Pretty sure its rusted on there pretty good. Any ideas? Its so hard to get a good grip on it with vice grips or anything. Sprayed some penetrant on there a lot. no luck...Is there any other tricks for getting a good grip on the small little surface to give it a good twist? Thanks for the help! B... Read more >>

06/05 Cannondale Bad Boy headset bearings

Hi, Cannondale Bad Boy. The bearings on the steering (1 1/8) have worn through. I am not sure what to replace them with. I have emailed Cannondale but so far no reply! The present bearing is open with a 45 deg angle, I would like to replace with a cartridge bearing. Can I use a cartridge FSA/Ritchley/Cane Creek etc.....? Advice please. Nigel... Read more >>

05/05 Threadless Headset Stfiff after Overhaul

Hey guys, I recently overhauled my FSA threadless headset ie. took it to bits, cleaned everything, greased it & put it back on. Now, although the handlebars still turn as much as I need them to, the headset feels quite stiff. Does anyone know what the problem might be? Cheers Si... Read more >>

05/02 Trouble removing threaded stem

Hi guys im trying to remove the threaded stem from an old rusted frame i have, using a hammer i managed to remove the stems tightening bolt (a nut fell through the bottom of my forks, please warn me if this isnt good) anyway now the stem itself wont budge, im wondering whether this may be due to rust and neglect over 7 years or so. Any ideas? cheers in advance... Read more >>

04/22 Replaced bearings, how smooth is smooth?

Hi, Ive just replaced the caged bearings on a threaded headset with some new loose bearings. Ive greased them and there is no signs of indexing / brindling on the race but they dont run as smooth as before. They turn ok and the forks easily spin to one side when let loose but i can hear them turning and you can feel a slight unsmoothness if that makes sense, its not exactly 'rough' but its not smooth as silk or silent like id expect. I unfortunately discarded a seal, could this be the cause or I wonder if i have the right size of bearing in there. Any thoughts much appreciated. Thanks Stev... Read more >>

04/08 First real project

So I have started the process to build a MTB from the frame up as a side project from second handish parts. Mainly because I want to learn and I love tinkering with stuff. I have a great fork and an amazing frame. I know for a fact I need to have a headset installed but in I'm just not sure how to measure them to make sure they fit. Just a few questions, and I apologize if these have already been answered I did not see anything in my searches. 1. Am I correct in thinking that the inner diameter of the crown barring needs to be super snug on the steerer tube? 2. What numbers are important w... Read more >>

03/24 Reusing threadless headset

I just bought a scrap bike for parts...can I reuse the headset on a different frame?... Read more >>

01/13 Who still makes threaded headsets?

I'm reconditioning my old cannondale 3.0 so I can sell it. Someone before me overtightened the headset after installing the upper ball bearings and retaining ring upside down.... Read more >>

12/29 Problems Adjusting Headset

I just went through the head bearings on my Schwinn MB. Took the forks off and cleaned and greased the bearings. I did not move the races. Now on reassembly I find if I tighten the top nuts so there is no play in the steering, the steering is too tight, so I need to leave a bit of a play in it so it moves freely side to side. When I first assembled it I needed to readjust after the first ride as there was lots of play present as bearings settled in. The other thing I find is that the steering feels kind of dead. I do not get much feedback from it. Some of that may be due to my getting a stee... Read more >>

12/20 Problem with bike after moving part 2

Hey everybody, So a month or two ago I did a post about how I was having problems with my front fork not being aligned after moving. I got some good replies telling me how to adjust my headset, and I got that taken care of. However, I've got another problem: now when I pull up on my handlebars there is obvious movement/play in the headset. I have everything as tight as I can get it, and I can see an obvious gap in the headset pieces of problem 1/16th of an inch. Here are some pictures... hopefully somebody has some advice, I really want to get out for a ride today! Thanks in advance. [attac... Read more >>

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How to Adjust a Threadless Headset
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