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Problem - Increased resistance while turning
After a ride of The Oaks this weekend my steering seems to be a lot tighter than previously. When I turn the handle bar I feel a lot more resistance than I used to. It still turns the usual ratio, and seems to turn without any click and stops. I also have less control when I get up to speed as it is harder to turn due to the extra resistance.
Any ideas or suggestions on what may cause this? And how to fix it?
Thanks in advance!!
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I would take it all apart and check it, then reassemble and regrease. Probably fine and just needs adjustment but good to be sure. Should be done in 10 minutes.. Unless you had an off or heavy landing and something is bent.
I always laugh whenever I see that title, but it's a brilliant book. Has saved me a small fortune in bike shop labour and busted bits.
Available from most good bike shops. The line illustrations make everything crystal clear, and there are step-by-step instructions on how to do everything bike maintenance related. Best $40 I've spent on my bike.
Now would be a really good time to buy yourself a copy.
trick with the headset is NOT to over tighten it. it should only be tight enough to remove any axial movement in the fork.
i used to overtighten mine and i destroyed the bearings and races.
Sounds like a headset adjustment problem, or shot (knackered) bearings.
One thing to be really careful of though is that you haven bent your steerer in the fork. If the 'resistance' gets progressively more and you turn the bars further, it would suggest a bent steerer (relative to the lower crown race in the headset).
When its all apart, have a look at the steerer tube of the forks.
I would also check that your cables outer are not binding and have a smooth free line.
Chris
Hi Beanie. This is a well documented problem that is caused by the abrasive Sydney sandstone/sandy trails.
The experts at our LBS recommend running with double head sets. That'll take care of it. Follow this picture as a guide.
Cheers, Hans
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Happiness is a warm shock.
that morning before riding? That could explain it?
You'll have to weld some extra steerer tube on for that!
I have recently purchased the 'BBB'. This is Parktool's Big Blue Book. The 2nd edition is out now.
Although I've been riding a bike since a toddler, I've only been keen on MTB'ing in the last year. As a home car mechanic, I found this book very simple to read and follow. I have also had a quick flick through the 'Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance' and I think I much prefer the BBB.
The BBB also covers road bikes too. I know this sounds like a complete Parktool promo, but I have been very happy with this book, and just wanted to pass on the info to other riders!
'Tis why I didn't buy the Park Tool book... Park Tool promo. With Zinn I can be sure he's not recommending a tool unless I need it. arrrhh... who knows, maybe I'm being unfair.
On the upside the Park Tool book covers both styles of bikes. But who on earth rides road bikes?
LOL! 
Thanks for all the advise!! I took it all apart and luckily the fork stem was still straight, but the bearings were churned to pieces. So I went out and got a new head set and replaced it (with some great help from the guys at BA!) It seems to work now and I'm looking forward to testing it tomorrow