Chinese Carbon MTB Forums
News:
Happy Holidays!
See likes
See likes given/taken
| Post info | No. of Likes |
|---|---|
|
The Un-Official Guide To Fixing Headset Play - Please Add Your Advice Here
Hey Everyone, I wanted to create a guide to help troubleshoot headset play regardless of bike brand. By no means am I an expert, and I hope others can add to this thread. Please understand this guide/thread isn't intended for airing our bike brand grievances or calling out user errors. Ultimately we all just want our bikes to work as intended. Common Reasons For Headset Play 1. Steerer/Fork isn't cut low enough, or an extra spacer is required above the stem to properly compress the top cap. When initially cutting the steer tube, an extra 2-4mm below the cut line needs to be accounted for in order for the top cap to recess properly. 2. The headset bearing (upper or lower) doesn't sit inside the head tube cup snug enough (laterally, front to back). Velobuild, for example, provides 52mm diameter headset bearings. Other headsets sold online or for other bike brands may only be 51.8mm diameter. That 0.2mm is the difference between a snug fit or loose headset. If your bearings are loose this will always cause play. You can add a couple layers of tape inside the bearing cup to prevent the bearing from moving around. Or just buy a new 52mm headset. 3. The top headset bearing is recessed too far into the head tube cup, causing the headset cover to rub on the frame, preventing the complete headset stack to properly compress. If this is the case you will need a thicker headset bearing (7mm, 7.5mm or 8mm thick) or a thicker c-ring so that it sits flush with the top of the headset opening on the frame, thus preventing the headset cover from rubbing the frame. EDIT: Another resolution is adding some micro spacers between the c-ring and top cap. 4. The upper and lower headset bearings are installed in reverse. Some bikes (like Yoeleo's recent G21 gravel bike) provide a set of headset bearings, with one of the two bearings being slightly thicker than the other. The thicker of the two bearings needs to be installed on top of the head tube, and the thinner bearing on the bottom. If these two bearings are installed in reverse order then...see Common Issue #3 It is critical to do a dry run of installing the crown race, headset bearings, c-ring, headset cap, stem/cockpit, and any additional spacers before actually proceeding to building up the bike. Also be sure to compare and inspect the two headset bearings to confirm they are in fact the same size and thickness. August 02, 2022, 02:23:09 PM |
1 |
Re: Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Carbon Road Frame
After the initial issues with noises coming from the seatpost and the LTWOO micro-adjustment, I can finally fully enjoy the new bike. And wow, it’s fast 
May 10, 2026, 11:28:22 AM |
1 |
|
Re: Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Carbon Road Frame
Hello from my side, After reading and benefiting from all the insights here, I can now post a short middle-term review. Overall, I am super pleased with the bike and the build. Here are the specs: Size: 54 metallic frame (I believe it’s colour 3) Seatpost: Zero offset Headset/Stem: Fully integrated FSA Headset and SMR Stem Handlebar: Balugoe, 36.5cm wide Shifters: 105 Di2 Derailleurs: Ultegra Di2 rear and front Cranks: Magene PES P505 Powermeter, 165mm Chainrings: Spécialités TA Cassette: ZTTO 11-34 Wheelset: Tagoola Aeroraptor (60mm deep, 23mm internal, UD-Satin finish, 5mm bladed carbon spokes, 1260g) Tires: Continental GP5000 S TR, 30mm Saddle: Fizik The bike just fits like a glove and rides super well. I was skeptical if the wheels would be problematic in crosswinds, but so far they perform better than expected. The communication and build process went without any problems. I love that so many details are now standardized: UDH, BSA BB, and the headset. I first installed a Kocevlo integrated handlebar but felt it was too soft; I believe most of the movement came from the top headset cover. After switching to the FSA headset/stem combination, it felt totally different. I now have much more confidence in the bike and the build. Super happy with the bike, the only problem is that I genuinely don't know what to upgrade now! May 11, 2026, 05:20:44 AM |
1 |
Re: Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Carbon Road Frame
Beautiful. Do you have any other photos? I want to get it too and I was undecided about the color, whether it's like yours or Chamaleong purple matte. Only this one, weather is pretty mid right now. It definetly shines in the sun and varies in colour, i have the matte metallic finish. Looks awesome but also you can see every drop of dirt or dried fluid on there. May 13, 2026, 04:10:28 AM |
1 |
Re: Tagoola wheel
On the website you can not see if the rims are hooked or hookless. Also the different hub models for the different wheelsets are not listed. And is there a catalog to download? Can I build my own wheelset? I think the website could be made a little more organized to answer the most important questions. That would also reduce the amount of time spent answering customers' constant questions.Currently, all products sold on our official website feature hooks. Our website is currently undergoing a redesign, which is expected to be completed this month. Upon its relaunch, we look forward to presenting you with fresh content and innovative concepts. May 13, 2026, 08:57:05 PM |
1 |
Re: Spcycle New Mold SP-R088 Carbon Road Frame
Thank you. Yes, I had already ruled out the matte finish, since I know it’s almost impossible to keep in good condition. I managed to get a few color samples by contacting SpCycle through AliExpress. If they can be useful to anyone, I’ve attached the reference images for colors 2, 5, and 10 with a glossy clear coat. May 17, 2026, 06:47:57 AM |
1 |
|
Re: LTK266-D-SL, race frame, 680g, <800g w/paint & metal parts (M), fits 35mm+ tires
Here's a shot of I don't think I have shared yet, from last fall, of the LTK266-D-SL with Tavelo Avro bars (130mm stem, 380mm width bars at the hoods). This is with FSA no 55 and the comparible spacers from Tavelo (via Panda Podium). It is slammed.
May 19, 2026, 05:57:06 AM |
1 |
Re: Tagoola wheel
Can you run these with 45s for gravel ?This exceeds the usage limit. Our current stock consists of our standard road wheelsets. We are preparing a new batch in Europe—specifically 23mm internal-width wave-profile wheelsets and several carbon-spoke models—which will be made available online soon. May 19, 2026, 10:37:40 PM |
1 |
Re: Spect Strada
Yeah, buddy, I guess you were right—"unfortunately" 👌Haha, "unfortunately" I was right about that. TFSA is quite popular here for their good and fair price, before 2026. Cause 2026 you know there are many new good price frames. Another reason is JH frames are really good, rim or disc, the biggest star is JH33, because it almost has the similar geometry as specialized. So many many students would buy JH33 to paint their own skin, or just make it as a "S-WORKS". Even though many of us dont really appreciate this behavior. Half of JH33 owners put other funny logo on it as "Cancanneed" in Chinese means “Have a look of yours”, in Pinyin - "Kan kan ni de" or "Cancanword" means "Have a look of mine". In Pinyin - "Kan kan wo de" If you dont look carefully, you would probably think its "Cannondale" https://tieba.baidu.com/p/8944008397 https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=can+can+need This is the most controversial part of TFSA, not really has many black history of quality as I heard. June 29, 2026, 12:50:57 AM |
1 |
Re: Lightcarbon: New LCR017-D (or Yishun R1058-D)
Great build! How many headset spacers are you running under the stem? And do you plan to remove any once you've dialed in the fit after a few longer rides? I used all the 5 spacers provided. Yes I may remove to feel more aero if needed 
June 29, 2026, 06:47:12 PM |
1 |