Loose headset on a 1997 Saracen kili comp

[michael_JCWS]

I’m trying to do up my really old Saracen, I notice there is loads of movement in the headset, any ideas where to look for a new headset that would work? I’m assuming that as it’s 20+ years old everything is thoroughly worn out

Thanks

Michael

[Paul Drawmer]

Have you tried adjusting the headset?

What type is it?

Is that the magnesium framed Saracen?

[michael_JCWS]

It’s an aluminium frame and a threadless headset.

I’ve pulled it apart and the top and bottom bearings look ok, I guess they could be worn down, the bottom bearings are not ball ones, they are like lots of small rolling pins.

My assumption is that the plastic top cap is not pulling the forks up, I guess it does this by expanding when you tighten the screw?

Thanks

Michael

[muppetman74]

It's a standard 1 1/8" threadless headset - you can pick up a new one pretty much anywhere. However, if you haven't got the tools to remove the cups and race, it'll be a tricky job. I'd get a big bag of varying size ball bearings from eBay (not very expensive), work out which ones fit and then rebuild with some good grease. Should last years.

[Paul Drawmer]

michael_JCWS said:

It’s an aluminium frame and a threadless headset.

I’ve pulled it apart and the top and bottom bearings look ok, I guess they could be worn down, the bottom bearings are not ball ones, they are like lots of small rolling pins.

My assumption is that the plastic top cap is not pulling the forks up, I guess it does this by expanding when you tighten the screw?

Thanks

Michael

Have a look on youtube for how to adjust threadless headset.

[michael_JCWS]

Looked at a number of YouTube videos, it would appear that my issue is that I’m missing the anchor for the headset. My best option I think is to look for a new headset

Thanks

Michael

[Justin S]

michael_JCWS said:

Looked at a number of YouTube videos, it would appear that my issue is that I’m missing the anchor for the headset. My best option I think is to look for a new headset

Thanks

Michael

I suspect you mean a star fangled nut in the steerer tube ? You can get a version that you screw in and then clamps it up for not a lot. Changing a headset then makes oother issues of getting one of a similar height . If its good get a new compression steerer nut. Something like this :
https://www.merlincycles.com/bbb-bap-03-powerhead-...

[michael_JCWS]

Many thanks, just ordered one