UKC Forums - Strange bike problem

Strange bike problem

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Yanis Nayu 04 Dec 2016

After my bike has been hanging on the rack for a day (from the top tube) the headset gets really stiff, which eases quite quickly with a few turns of the bars.

The headset was serviced about 6 weeks ago, and this problem has been happening for about 3 weeks. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Ben07 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Sounds to me like you need a new bike.

Mountain Llama 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Can't offer an explanation but it's not right is it?

If what your describing started after your headset service, then I would take it back to the shop.

Cheers Davey

Rigid Raider 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Is the bike in an unheated place? Possibly the grease in the bearings is getting stiff in the cold?

Removed User 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Does it happen when you put it in the same place without having it on the rack?

itsThere 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Yanis Nayu:

Is it loose, if you put the front brake on and push the bars forward and backwards there shouldnt be any movement.

OP Yanis Nayu 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Ben07:

> Sounds to me like you need a new bike.

Noted. I agree, although excessive recent spending on gear unfortunately precludes it)

OP Yanis Nayu 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Rigid Raider:

> Is the bike in an unheated place? Possibly the grease in the bearings is getting stiff in the cold?

No, it's a small room with the boiler in it. I see the logic, but I've had this and other bikes in there without the same problem.

OP Yanis Nayu 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Mountain Llama:

> Can't offer an explanation but it's not right is it?

> If what your describing started after your headset service, then I would take it back to the shop.

> Cheers Davey

I shall take it back to the same place, but there was a good few weeks when it was ok. They may not have greased it properly and some has washed out, leaving it a bit dry. I've ridden it in some horrendous weather.

OP Yanis Nayu 04 Dec 2016

In reply to Removed User:

> Does it happen when you put it in the same place without having it on the rack?

I can't do that really because the floors taken up with wife's and daughter's bikes (which never move). I haven't noticed the problem when I've left it (on its wheels) in the kitchen, but I try not to do that as it gets me in the dog house. I'm leaving it there tonight to see what happens.