Headset problems!

tww94
tww94 Posts: 12
edited July 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
I have just bought a new commencal absolut 4X (an amazing bike!) however my fork doesn't fit the headset. The bike has a 1inch 1/8 headset however the steerer tube on the fork does fit but it is very loss. Is there anyway to make the fork fit with out buying a new fork?

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Wait, you bought a new bike, and the fork doesn't fit?
    Take it back to the bike shop immediately, and kick the shite out of them. :evil:
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    No! I bought the frame, and i cant get the fork to fit because it is to small how can i get it to fit?
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    Have a read of the Parktools guide for adjusting headsets.

    I assume you have the basics correct, ie you have a 2-3mm gap from the top of the steerer to the top of you stem so you can preload the bearings?
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    thanks will do.
    do you know if there is anything i can buy? Becasue it fits the head tube however the steerer is to small so it moves around.
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    You shouldn`t need to buy anything. Have you fitted a fork before? Is it a new fork?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    If the steerer is too short, you are buggered - unless you can remove some spacers, or get a lower stack headset or stem.

    If the steerer is too narrow then you need a new fork.

    If all is correct, and it still wobbles, then you are not setting the preload correctly.

    Any pics of the problem?
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    i have a pair of dirt jumper 3s and a commencal absolut 4X frame that has a 1 inch 1/8 headset, would it fit? do all forks fit alll headtubes and headsts?
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    al 9/8th forks fit 9/8th headsets, and all 1.5" forks fit all 1.5" headsets.
    Assuming, of course, that the steerer tube is long enough.

    Have you ever fitted or adjusted a headset before?
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    yep i have a 1.5 inch fork and a frame with a 1.8 inch headset, will it fit and if not is there any thing i can do to fit it?
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    Can`t help you un less you answer the questions!!!

    Read this:

    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    tww94 wrote:
    yep i have a 1.5 inch fork and a frame with a 1.8 inch headset, will it fit and if not is there any thing i can do to fit it?

    1.5 forks do not fot 9/8 frames. So no.
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    okay but is therre anything i can buy, like some sort of sleeve to put in to make it fit, or do i need new forks?
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    I think you've got your measurements wrong.

    headsets come in two sizes 1 1/8 inch = 1.125 inch and 1.5 inch

    1.5 inch is bigger than 1.125 so your forks shouldn't even fit in the headset let alone be loose.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    tww94 wrote:
    okay but is therre anything i can buy, like some sort of sleeve to put in to make it fit, or do i need new forks?

    New forks. A sleeve would make it tighter!

    Do you have a headset fitted?
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    Thanks jairaj!
    i think i did get the measure ments wrong!
    so a marzocchie dirt jumper 3s would fit a commencal absolut 4X frame?
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    tww94 wrote:
    yep i have a 1.5 inch fork and a frame with a 1.8 inch headset, will it fit and if not is there any thing i can do to fit it?
    There isn't such a thing (currently) as a 1.8" headset.
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    right okay, but would a marzocchi dirt jumer 3s fit a commencal meta 4X 2009 frame?
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Is the frame a 9/8th headset?
    Does it have a headset fitted?
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    yes it is a 9/8 headset frame and no it doesnt have a headset fitted
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Well in that case, get a headset fitted, and YES, it will be fine.
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    YEY! well done team I think we've got there in the end 8)
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The fork doesn't fit tight in the headtube, tww94 - but once the headset is fitted, and adjusted, it will be fine.
  • tww94
    tww94 Posts: 12
    Thanks guys, dorry i keept ramberling on! i got the measure ments wrong!
  • Dirtydog11
    Dirtydog11 Posts: 1,621
    Have you fitted the crown race to the fork?
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    Dirtydog11 wrote:
    Have you fitted the crown race to the fork?

    Don`t think he`s got a headset yet so no.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    and pictures would have solved this in seconds.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    nicklouse wrote:
    and pictures would have solved this in seconds.

    Yes but it would have lacked in mystery and suspense :wink:
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    jairaj wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    and pictures would have solved this in seconds.

    Yes but it would have lacked in mystery and suspense :wink:

    and that is the killer :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Chaz.Harding
    Chaz.Harding Posts: 3,144
    jairaj wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    and pictures would have solved this in seconds.
    Yes but it would have lacked in mystery and suspense :wink:
    :lol::lol::lol:
    Boo-yah mofo
    Sick to the power of rad
    Fix it 'till it's broke