Headset headache!

Geordie121

Hello,

Just wanting some suggestions as i don't know anything about repairs. I've had my Giant Anthem x3 3 days now and took it out for it's first proper ride today. Several hours later i moved the bike and heard what sounds like a grinding from the headset. It was a very dry dusty ride. Any suggestions as to what i can do? I got the bike mail order so it'll be difficult for the shop to sort it. Also the the back break has decided to stop working aswel.

Any help would be great

Thanks.

Thread8

The back brake is probably still bedding in

As for the headset, sounds like you need to get a bit more grease in there, its fairly easy and there are some good guides on the net, otherwise if you arent confident LBS time, should be a cheap fix

Geordie121

Thanks thread8.

Sorry still new to the forum, LBS? I was thinking of having a go myself but really not sure and the back break is pressing back all the way to the grips and the wheel is locking.

I'm just not sure what the shop would suggest other than send it back which im not keen on doing as it was a nightmare getting it in the first place!

Cheers

desweller

LBS = local bike shop. Friendly purveyors of oily bits, spannering and cups of tea.

Dirtydog11

Geordie121 wrote:

Thanks thread8.

and the back break is pressing back all the way to the grips and the wheel is locking.

If there's little or no resistance at the lever then you probably have air in the system, but its worth just checking the caliper and lever for any signs of a leak (wet patches). You shouldn't be able to pull the lever all the way back to the bars.


It sounds as though your headset might be too tight. I wouldn't have thought it would have got sh1tted up that quickly.


I doubt your LBS would charge more than about £20.00 to put it right that's assuming its just a brake bleed and headset adjustment.

Geordie121

Thanks for your help everyone.
I've put it into the bike shop this morning. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

I was wondering, how do you get to know so much about repairs? Is it trial and error or courses or what. I would love to carry out more repaires and maintenance to my bike.

Cheers

Thread8

Geordie121 wrote:

Thanks for your help everyone.
I've put it into the bike shop this morning. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

I was wondering, how do you get to know so much about repairs? Is it trial and error or courses or what. I would love to carry out more repaires and maintenance to my bike.

Cheers

For me, trial and error, Maintenence books and a week's work experience at a bike shop

Geordie121

Well the results are in. The headset needed another spacer and just hadnt really been set up properly. The brake needed bleeding. Came to £20 in all so good estimate. Really need to learn how to do that sort of stuff my self!

Cheers guys!

ilovedirt

It is mainly down to trial and error, you can't really go far wrong if you're careful, and if you muck something up, you won't do it again! Bikes are fairly simple, once you know how all the bits work. Building one yourself is a great way to learn. I'm on what i think is my fourth build now, it's almost second nature to me!