Hey all,
Got the new complete in the mail today. First thing I noticed is the stem is 90 degrees off from the fork. Figured before doing anything else Id align that. Im a complete beginner at this so here I am.
1) Should I install the bars first to have something to help with leverage?
2) I took the side bolts off the stem. According to youtube I should now take off the compression cap. Im using an allen wrench and there is no give to this. Im afraid Im going to strip it. Im likely doing something wrong so, any advice?
by myleftfoothurts1
5 Comments
re: #1 – Yes
re: #2 – You only need to loosen the compression cap. It should be tight, but will eventually give and loosen.
Hey. Its should turn easily if you just loosen side bolts. Good idea putting the bars on to turn it. Shouldn’t be that hard to move. Good luck.
You don’t need to take the cap all the way off to adjust the stem, just loosen it. It definitely shouldn’t be so tight you’re worried about stripping it, make sure the wrench is seated all the way. It looks like this is a 6mm, same as the bolts. Lefty loosey, righty tighty, get the box end of a wrench around the hex key if you can’t get enough leverage.
My best advice is to not over tighten the cap bolt, just snug enough to keep any play spot of the headset. Best way to test is clamp everything down, then hold wheel sideways and put pressure on it to rock it back and forth. Good luck!
this is normal for bike shipping, its assumed you will install the handlebars and line up, then adjust the stem to fork. most people i know do it visually, eyeball the alignment then tighten. yes there are alignment tools, no i dont feel like paying extra for them since its not a road bike where fit & precision matters.