How to adjust a Bicycle Headset

Learning how to properly adjust and tighten a loose headset on your bicycle is important. A loose headset can make riding dangerous and can be a nuisance over bumpy terrain. One way you can determine if your headset is loose is to pick your front wheel off the ground and gently drop it. If there is a knocking noise, your headset may be loose. Another way is to grip the top of your headset, hold the front brake and rock the bicycle forward and backward. If you feel unnecessary movement, follow the steps Graham mentions in this video to quickly and easily tighten your headset.

Use a torque wrench if you have one, otherwise do not tighten the bolts excessively to avoid damaging the bearings or your steer tube. Always make sure to double check your work and verify everything has been tightened down properly. To do this, stand in front of the bicycle and place the front tire between your legs. Grip the handlebar and try to turn it to the right and to the left. If the bar slips and turns when it shouldn't then tighten the stem bolts in small increments until the stem does not slip on the steerer tube.

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