What's wrong with my bike headset?

Question

I recently installed a new longer stem, some new handlebars and new grips.

I fitted it all fine, but for some reason the headset seems to judder slightly.

I don't know why it is doing this! It seems like where the frame joins onto the forks (the headset), the frame is giving by about half a milimetre. This isn't much, but its enough to be annoying.

Why is now doing this? I have tightened the bolt at the top of the headset and it has made no difference.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

with some headsets the fork is held in place by an adjustable washer. i've got one which needs fitting acurately otherwise the washer can come loose and not hold the fork in properly so it wobbles. without actually seeing/feeling the bike its hard to tell what the problem is. the classic answer is bike shop but play around forcing the headset to fix the steerer tube in place and whack the spacers and stem on while it's in that position

Answer 2

Your stem may not be as large as your last...meaning that it may take up less space on your steer tube. You probably have to get another spacer in there.

Answer 3

I know this might sound dumb, but did you loosen the stem bolts before tightening down the preload bolt? If not, you did nothing to take the bearing slack out.

If you DID do as above you will likely need another spacer as mentioned above.