Adjust Headset

Steps

1. The "Rock" Test: Stand over your bike, pull the front brake tightly, and rock the bike forward and backward. If you feel a "thunk" or see movement between the fork and the frame, your headset is loose.
2. Loosen Stem Bolts: Use a hex key to loosen the side bolts on your stem (the ones that clamp it to the fork steerer tube). Do not remove them; just loosen them until the stem can rotate freely.
3. Adjust the Top Cap: The top cap bolt is the "tensioner." Tighten it slowly (about 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time). This pulls the fork into the frame.
4. Check for Drag: Lift the front wheel and tip the bike side to side. The handlebars should flop freely from side to side. If they feel stiff or "gritty," you've over-tightened the top cap.
5. Aline the Stem: Eye-ball the stem to ensure it is perfectly aligned with your front tire. This is the hardest part for many!
6. Tighten Stem Bolts: Once the tension is correct and the alignment is straight, tighten the stem clamp bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque (usually 5–6 Nm).
7. Final Check: Perform the "rock test" again. The movement should be gone, and the steering should remain smooth.

Tips

• The top cap bolt is only for setting tension while the stem is loose. Once the stem bolts are tightened, the top cap bolt doesn't do much.
• If you can't get the "thunk" to go away without making the steering stiff, your bearings might be worn out or installed incorrectly.
• Check this adjustment after any major crash or if you've been riding on very rough terrain.