Specialized dolce - comp headset loose issue

[indigoiis]

Hi,

We took one of the rings out of my Specialized Dolce comp headset to lower the handlebar height. Everything worked fine until after a ride on bumpyish roads - now my handlebars rattle. I don't know enough about these newfangled headsets to tighten it properly. I thought the rings were there for taking out and shortening the stem, but it hasn't been the same since I took out that ring. Anyone have a similar experience and can I fix it myself?

[Becky]

Ummm....did you put the ring back on top of the stem before you put the headset cap back on? If not, it won't tighten properly.

You can lower the bars by removing a spacer or two, but you have to put those spacers back on top (sort of a stem sandwich cookie, where the spacers are the cookie, and the stem is the cream filling). Easy fix.

The other option is to cut the fork steer tube down to match the lower stem height. I'd hold off on this until you're sure that you like the new height of your bars, and then take the bike to a shop to have the cutting done. DH has been riding one of his bikes with a spacer sandwich for almost a year now- he's just now thinking about having the cutting done.

[Eden]

You also have to tighten the headset in the proper order... tighten the bolts that hold the stem to the steerer tube just enough to hold the stem steady- like finger tight. You want to fully tighten down the preload bolt (the one on the top of the headset) first. You want it tight enough that the headset isn't loose or wobbly, but will still turn freely and smoothly. I check it by holding the front wheel between my knees and trying to pull the handlebars back to front. If it feels like it clicks or has play then it needs to be a bit tighter, but don't tighten it down so much that it feels stiff or grinds when you let the handlebars fall to one side or the other. When you've done that you tighten the bolts that hold the stem to the steerer all the way. Do them a bit at a time (rather than cranking one down all the way and then doing the other) to keep the tension even.

and yeah - like Becky said, if you haven't, put that spacer on the top!

[indigoiis]

Did all of the above, and it still shakes. So I moved the spacer back down below as originally there and it tightens fine. Very frustrating.

[aicabsolut]

Do you have the right top cap? Some Specialized stems need different caps based on the angle of the stem. If you have a spacer on top, then you'd need a flat cap, while you may want a slightly wedged cap when the stem is at the top. It may be the 2nd bolt that's making the difference. You should be able to get the right cap for free from your dealer if that is the issue.