Author Topic: Do we need of a top head set plug?  (Read 3133 times)

carbonazza

Do we need of a top head set plug?
« on: July 15, 2014, 10:15:38 AM »
I saw this build for Marek Konwa a Polish racer for the Olympics.
http://veloart.pl/en_project-29-konwa.html

If you look at the picture of the headset, there is no plug at the top.
To my surprise there is no plug to my Cannondale Rush either, just a plastic cap.

Is the plug just an extra security thing?
Anybody else riding without it?



SamSkjord

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Re: Do we need of a top head set plug?
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2014, 01:22:53 PM »
You need it to preload the headset but after that the stem keeps everything nice and tight, only issue is in a crash where you need to put the stem back straight. But, given the build list of that bike I don't think that's something they're worried about.

When rebuilding mine I use two top caps;
First a preload the headset with http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/gusset-universal-headlock/rp-prod17766
then the lefty holds everything nice and tight regardless of whether I have a stem on or not so I have a much lighter one on for riding just to save my sternum.
« Last Edit: July 15, 2014, 01:27:23 PM by SamSkjord »

carbonazza

Re: Do we need of a top head set plug?
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2014, 01:51:52 PM »
Interesting. Thank you for the information.

Vipassana

Re: Do we need of a top head set plug?
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2014, 02:40:02 PM »
SamSkjord is spot on.  I've ridden extensively without a top-cap in the past.  I keep one on though for esthetics.  Bike shops in various places used to have custom ones with laser engraving of a city/town/trail/park nearby or even just a funny expression, but I don't see that as often these days.

RS VR6

Re: Do we need of a top head set plug?
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2014, 11:40:58 PM »
He doesn't ride with a bearing cover either. ;D