User Guide

46
47CHAPTER THREE Inspection, Adjustment & Lubrication
The headset (Figure 3.6.1) is the bearing system
that allows rotation of the fork, stem, and handle-
bars, allowing you to steer the bike. These instruc-
tions explain inspection, lubrication, and adjust-
ment of the headset and fork.
If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension
fork, also refer to Suspension Systems on page 77.
Inspection
Once a month inspect the headset of your
bicycle to see that it is not loose, nor too tight. If
WARNING
An improperly adjusted headset can cause you to lose control
and fall. Make sure the headset is properly adjusted before
riding the bike.
HEADSET AND FORK
your headset bearings are loose or too tight, do not
ride the bicycle; take your bike to your Gary Fisher
dealer for service.
To check if the headset is loose
1. Stand over the top tube of your bicycle with both feet on
the ground.
2. Apply the front brake firmly while you rock the bicycle
forward and backward.
If your bike is not equipped with a front brake, do this inspection by turning
the front wheel to be across, or perpendicular, to the pushing force.
3. Look, listen, and feel for looseness of the headset bearings.
To check if the headset is too tight
1. With the front wheel off the ground, slowly rotate the fork and
handlebars to the right and left.
2. Look, listen, and feel for any grinding noises, or stickiness
or binding at any point in the rotation; the bearings may
be too tight.
Adjustment
Headset bearing adjustment requires special tools and
training, and should only be performed by your Fisher dealer.
Lubrication
Once a year re-grease the headset. This requires special
tools and training, and should only be performed by your
Gary Fisher dealer.
Headset and Fork
Figure 3.6.1 Headset
Upper
headset
bearing
cup
Lower
headset
bearing
cup