Felt headset spacer removal - unusual?

Dan_JR

Hi all

I have searched the forum and found similar posts however none that address my problem.

I have a Felt Z35 which has quite a few headset spacers, I am trying to remove one (at this stage). I understand that usually one would remove a spacer below the stem and re-install it above. My problem is that my bike has an extra part below the top cap which I believe can be manipulated to adjust the stem angle. It's the same diameter as the spacer which stops me from re-installing it above the stem.

I have tried without re-installing the spacer however I had terrible noise & vibration over rough surfaces (much more than normal).

What am I to do?

Photos are here:
http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/1YlNFqKY/1/4783174

Thanks in advance.
JR

scotteek

In the photo of the current setup, the stem shim is upside-down. the angled part should be underneath the stem.
If you insert it from underneath the stem the spacer should sit on top ok.

edit: Interestingly, all Z series felts come packaged into the UK like this, sadly most bike shops don't fix it....

balthazar

That eccentric shim looks like it could be rotated 180 degrees to facilitate an alternative stem angle. From the perspective of the headset, however, all is normal. The top cap should bear on the stem/spacer stack, in whichever order.

Please be clear how this interface works. The top cap is not a fixing: it is solely an instrument for adjusting head bearing preload precisely. Spacers from below the stem must fit above it. Assembling everything without anything for the top cap to bear on, as you have done, means that the head bearing cannot be preloaded, hence it is bound to be loose, causing the problem you describe.

Dan_JR

Thanks balthazar

Followed your logic and all is well.

JR