Bought some plastic spacers (primarily for the shape) to compliment my new integrated bars. These were from Amazon and literally are the only spacers I could find in this shape and size. I went through maybe 4 or 5 others that didn’t fit or looked awful with the bar stem.
They’ve held up decently but I’m seeing a tiny bit of play in the headset and wondering how problematic this could be. So far bike rides fine over bumps and on the road.
Any advice or suggestions on alternative parts is appreciated!
How much headset play is acceptable?
byu/thmtnsrcallng inbikewrench
by thmtnsrcallng
13 Comments
Not that much. I would lean towards none at all tbh.
None. No play is acceptable. No exceptions.
Not only will you destroy the bearings riding like this, you will destroy your steer tube and possibly the frame.
When bikes with loose headsets come into our shop, we always drop the fork to inspect the steer tube. When it shows signs of wear, we replace it.
A compromised steer tube is a quick way to the emergency room, or shit, heaven. Is your steer tube carbon?
The exact amount of play acceptable in a headset is: None.
Youtube how to fix headset play.
Preloading the topcap with the stem bolts undone helps
If you can sense any play in the headset it’s too much.
Inspect the frame it’s a integrated headset so bearing sits directly int he frame, if its damaged bearing might be moving.
A others wrote plays is not acceptable.
To tighten headset you need to loosen stem bolts then tighten the cap.
I reccomend using Loctite 243 on the threads of the stem, if not easy for you ad dit to the bolts. Can also add grease behind the bolt heads to prevent them getting stuck.
Add grease on the bolt for the stem.
> Bought some plastic spacers
I expect this is a big part of the problem.
I thought it was one of those fancy integrated suspension stems 😮
As others have said, the acceptable amount of play is zero. You need to adjust your preload.
i suspect your plastic spacers might be contributing to the problem. I would ditch the odd shaped plastic spacers and replace them with standard round aluminum or carbon spacers.
Zero.
that is more than a tiny amount of play. you can see it moving. a tiny amount can be felt but not seen. regardless, as everyone else said, the appropriate amount is none.
Zero