Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Folding bike headset question
#1
Hi all

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I just got my hands on a 2nd hand Dahon folding bike.

There seems to be a little play in the headset but as this is my first folder I'm not sure if this is inherent in folders or not.

Would anybody know if it is inherent and have any ideas on how to fix it? I have some experience of changing threadless headsets on mountain bikes but I'm not sure about folder headsets.

Thanks again
Best

Ben
  Reply
#2
Definitely not "inherent" to folders. A little tough to tell from the photo, but it looks like an older style threaded headset. I think the silver ring in the pic with the notch in it is one of the adjusting lockrings. Look up adjusting threaded headsets for basic instructions.
  Reply
#3
Thanks for your reply. I managed to tighten it up a little bit (enough to stop it from shaking) with a screwdriver in one of the notches you see below but do you know if there is a tool to tighten it properly?
[attachment=4593]
  Reply
#4
There's a pretty standard headset tool made for that type of lockring, but it's made to rest on the side of the ring. It looks like that big teardrop shaped piece would interfere with the tool.
  Reply
#5
(10-29-2013, 01:26 PM)DaveM Wrote:  There's a pretty standard headset tool made for that type of lockring, but it's made to rest on the side of the ring. It looks like that big teardrop shaped piece would interfere with the tool.

Sure, I took it to the LBS today and they tightened up the bottom lockring with said tool but couldn't tighten the inner one so I bashed a flat head screwdriver and tightened it at least for now.

Thanks for your help! Smile
  Reply
#6
The tool needed is a hook wrench of the corect size or adjustable.

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5


http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-34-305-4-3-Inch-Adjustable-Spanner/dp/B00004WBHZ
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply
#7
(10-29-2013, 03:06 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  The tool needed is a hook wrench of the corect size or adjustable.

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5


http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-34-305-4-3-Inch-Adjustable-Spanner/dp/B00004WBHZ

As Dave pointed out I don't think I'd be able to get to the lockring due to the "teardrop" shaped piece.
  Reply
#8
The thin open hook wrench will fit. I think Dave was thinking of a different tool.

Although a screwdriver or better a small drift and a few taps with a hammer will do the job.
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply
#9
ah ok I see, I hadn't seen that tool before - thanks for that Smile

I ended up using the screwdriver, seems fine for now at least but if it comes loose again I will look at getting a hook wrench.

Thanks!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
Brick
866
01-23-2025, 04:37 PM
Last Post: SPINMAN
 
20,177
07-18-2022, 02:46 AM
Last Post: JamesKim
 
4,662
07-16-2022, 03:52 PM
Last Post: Jesper
 
9,821
11-20-2019, 11:37 PM
Last Post: baller
 
10,980
09-24-2019, 11:29 AM
Last Post: baller
 
14,133
10-19-2013, 09:08 PM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
11,764
10-31-2011, 04:51 AM
Last Post: Flyboy26m
 
17,682
08-12-2010, 08:18 AM
Last Post: Bill

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Gandolfi "Super" model 1985-86 racing bi...
Yesterday 01:33 PM
How I used to clean my bike
07-03-2025 04:43 PM
Cassette shifting Problem
07-03-2025 02:51 PM
Continued learnings from bikepacking
07-02-2025 04:50 AM
What are the pros and cons of using a 26...
07-02-2025 04:46 AM
I got new Tioga FASTR X Tires (Ask Me An...
07-02-2025 01:31 AM
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
07-02-2025 12:55 AM
The great thing about trikes
07-01-2025 11:10 AM
Doctors are Prescribing Cycling
07-01-2025 10:40 AM
How to improve cycling endurance? I've h...
06-30-2025 06:27 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
21 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
14 posts
no avatar 4. Jesper
14 posts
no avatar 5. enkei
11 posts