Steering centres itself

[BlueNGT]

I have managed to get out a few times this week on the road bike and it feels like the steering centres itself.

Best way I can describe it is it feels like there is a very slight notch when turning back to straight ahead from either left or right. In fact when off the bike and walking with it but pushing by holding the seat I have to shake the bike to whichever side I want for it to turn.

No hands is not something I do often but sometimes it is nice to sit up straight for a few seconds but the bike does not feel like it wants to turn as a bike would normally when doing no hands.

The stem etc is not overly tight...but even loosening it off just results in play and still this notchy feeling.

Could I need a new headseat?

[anonymous-user]

Yes the bearings are knackered and not smooth, they will have "notches" in them meaning they are uneven and wont roll.

I'd guess in the past the top bolt was too tight and the pressure was too great, pulling the bottom bearing race against the fork crown and compressing the top race into the frame too tightly and increasing the wear rate. New headset is £20 or so.

[deadtom]

sounds like brinelling, and as the chap above me said it's pretty much new headset time I'm afraid

[yellowjack]

I had the same recently. I recommissioned a 1997 steel road bike, and all was well with the bike save the fact that it required some degree of physical effort to turn the bars to get them out of the 'notched' straight ahead position. It had been so long since I stopped using it that I couldn't remember it having that fault when I put it away, but it must have been one of the reasons for stopping riding it. Not bad though, two headset bearings in 18 years. Mine was a threaded (old school) headset, and cost £24 (fitted).

[BlueNGT]

Thanks for the replies fella's and confirming the need for a new headset. Will get one ordered today!!!

I think the Bike is a 2005 Giant TCR (T-Mobile livery)....I say 'think' as I bought it back in 2008 off eBay. Its an ALUXX SL frame. Existing headset is one made by Cane Creak for Giant but that is where the info stops.

Any pointers how to figure out what to replace it with much appreciated, thanks

Edited by BlueNGT on Wednesday 1st July 08:34

[anonymous-user]

You need a 1 1/8" integrated headset, either the Cane Creek 40 series or FSA Orbit will do the job

[BlueNGT]

Are either of these are ok?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.FSA-Orbit-CE-Plus-Carbon-R...

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.FSA-Orbit-I-No-16-TH-1-1-8...

[anonymous-user]

Yesa but avoid Tredz like the plague.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cane-creek-40-series-zeros...

[BlueNGT]

Ordered from Wiggle....with some grease...5% Quidco too

I have never had any issues with Tredz though, maybe that is luck.

Thanks

Edited by BlueNGT on Wednesday 1st July 16:34

Edited by BlueNGT on Wednesday 1st July 16:36