Headlock with bolt on stem...how ???

[seismic]

I wrote a post earlier concerning buying a clamp on 0degree integrated stem for a Monster T2003. My problem is I have heard I need a headlock to make sure everything will stay in place, now when I do not use a normal stem to secure the steer tube.

Though, it seems to me that the top of the headlock and the stem will come in contact !??? Can it then be mounted at all, and if not, how do I secure the fork to the headtube ? In a safe way ?

I do not have the stem yet, but this is the impression I get looking at the mounting holes for the stem on the top crown.

Any idead ????

[lockemiester]

Is the headlock top cap not the same size as a regular top cap? If it is, you will be fine. If not, you may need to run a few spacers above the top crown, just to clear the mounting 'arms' of the stem.

[Curtis]

With the bolt on stem installed the top crown of the fork becomes the "head lock" for the headset stack. Don't forget there is a pinch bolt on the top crown.

[UFO]

relying on a headlock or top cap to hold the headset tight is never a good idea

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

Originally posted by UFO
relying on a headlock or top cap to hold the headset tight is never a good idea

When its installed properly it is.

I run a headlock on both my bikes and havent had an issue on either.

[corey@nsmb.com]

Headlocks are a waste of money in my experience. I've been running SC and DC forks for years and never had an issue with headsets coming loose. Starfangles are cheap, easy to install and work well. I can do without the extra hardware up front. :)

[lockemiester]

I kinda miss read your post the firs time. You don't actually NEED a headlock, a regular star fangled nut and preload washer will work fine. The stem does not cover the steer tube. The top crown itself will hold things tight, the headlock is only to preload (remove play in) the headset.

[eddiebrannan]

Originally posted by UFO
relying on a headlock or top cap to hold the headset tight is never a good idea

what do you mean ufo? just with an integrated stem or generally? cause if the latter what else is there?

[Schaefdog]

A star fangled nut, or headlock is required to do more than preload your headset. That is it's intended use, but it is also needed to keep things tight. If you have nothing there to keep everything tight, your headset will come loose. Try this:


Get your headset tightened, then take your headlock out, or top cap and bolt out of your headset.....Ride around for a while and feel your headset. I garauntee that it will be loose.

[Shmoe]

Originally posted by Schaefdog
Get your headset tightened, then take your headlock out, or top cap and bolt out of your headset.....Ride around for a while and feel your headset. I garauntee that it will be loose.

No. Unless you have a very bad headset/stem. Ive gone weeks without a top-cap. After I tighten my headset, I take it back 1/4 of a turn to releave some stress on the cap/bolt/SF nut.

The top cap/headlock should not be used for anything except to tighten your headset when needed. It holds nothing together. Your stem/topcrown will.

[UFO]

Originally posted by eddiebrannan
what do you mean ufo? just with an integrated stem or generally? cause if the latter what else is there?

i was a bit ambiguous eddie. obviously you need a starnut or the headlock to preload your headset. but it is ultimately the job of the stem and/or the top crown to keep the headset snug. kids are getting the impression that the headlock is a more secure way of keeping the headset tight, its not. the only advantage is not have to press a new starnut in when you buy a new fork.

i have similar experience as shmoe... i always back the top cap off 1/4-1/2 turn after the stem and top-crown are tight.

[bobnug]

with 2003 monsters you do need something more than just a star nut, i had the same problem but rigged something up to stop the problem, the single pinch bolt on the top crown just isn't enough to stop the headset from coming loose, what i did was i got a solid piece of 3/8" ready rod and 2 headset top caps, on the bottom i put one of the top caps between to nuts and tghtened them down so they don't move, with lots of locktite, and for the top i just had the rod extend slightly above the top of the steer and put the top cap on and another nut with lots of locktite, I have been using this system and it's been working for months with no problems. with just the regular star nuts i was having to tighten my headset every few rides.

[fcf-spec]

Originally posted by bobnug
with 2003 monsters you do need something more than just a star nut, i had the same problem but rigged something up to stop the problem, the single pinch bolt on the top crown just isn't enough to stop the headset from coming loose, what i did was i got a solid piece of 3/8" ready rod and 2 headset top caps, on the bottom i put one of the top caps between to nuts and tghtened them down so they don't move, with lots of locktite, and for the top i just had the rod extend slightly above the top of the steer and put the top cap on and another nut with lots of locktite, I have been using this system and it's been working for months with no problems. with just the regular star nuts i was having to tighten my headset every few rides.

Um.. It's not only that single bolt... There is the whole top crown to stop your headset from coming loose. You can run your fork without the steer tube clamp and you should still be fine as long as both stanction clamps are bolted tight.

UFO and Shmoe are right, I do the same and I case things more then anyone I know cause I'm a dumbass. I've never had a loose headset... ever.

[corey@nsmb.com]

Originally posted by bobnug
with 2003 monsters you do need something more than just a star nut,

No, you don't. Who told you that?

You need a new star-nut for the new fork (or if it is used, use the existing one). Set up the front end and torque everything up to spec.

The is NO requirement to run a head lock type device. Given proper set up, a star fangled is more than enough for any fork.

[bobnug]

it is a known fact that 2003 marzocchi forks running integrated stems (monsters/shivers) are more likely to come loose, i have read it many times on multiple sites and friends with monsters have ALL experienced it, but that might be because we all ride harder than most people....

[corey@nsmb.com]

Originally posted by bobnug
it is a known fact that 2003 marzocchi forks running integrated stems (monsters/shivers) are more likely to come loose, i have read it many times on multiple sites and friends with monsters have ALL experienced it, but that might be because we all ride harder than most people....

Known fact to who?

I have been running the integrated stem for a year on my Shiver, and have several riding buddies doing the same, and not one of us has had ANY issue whatsoever with headsets.

I put mine together early last year and have not touched it yet. It is toight like a toiger.

Maybe we don't ride as "hard" as you guys do. Could you maybe sign my helmet?

[Curtis]

Originally posted by bobnug
it is a known fact that 2003 marzocchi forks running integrated stems (monsters/shivers) are more likely to come loose, i have read it many times on multiple sites and friends with monsters have ALL experienced it, but that might be because we all ride harder than most people....

Translation: ..........we're hacks and crash alot more then most riders.

Sign my helmet too........please.;)

[bobnug]

haha ohh wow, im going to hold back and not sink to the level of what i feel like sinking to. hack or not im telling you how it is

[XXX_er]

Once the stem bolts are tight the top cap and star nut are theoreticaly useless but in real life the head set can loosen,the hedlock gives enough extra support to stop loosening headsets

try overtightening a starnut/metal top(plastic might break...BTW,how much strength you gona get from a plastic top cap?) cap,you can pull a starnut right out of the steerer tube.All this thing does is adjust the hedseat and look purty

Not everyone needs a hedlock ,if you need one put it on

junior needed on with a SC (2000 z1 steel steerertube) on several bikes but not with a 2002 Boxxer ,also on several bikes

DC provides alot of support but you might still need a hedlock