No Hands

Mr John X said:

I have just tightened up trhe headset on my old Raleigh road bike and on riding 'no hands' the
bike seems to want to lean to one side or the other. How has this been brought about. This post is
not to attract a safety debate; I learned no hands in about 1970 and only do it where safe !

Your head set is possibly too tight now?

Ivor Cave

Mr John X said:

I have just tightened up trhe headset on my old Raleigh road bike and on riding 'no hands' the
bike seems to want to lean to one side or the other. How has this been brought about.

Headset is probably too tight (running with excessive friction), although perhaps you've too much
lunch? :-)

I would try readjusting - just past the point of play*, making sure bars can swing when front end is
lifted and tilted.

* Test for play by rocking bike back and forth with front brake on.

Quoted message said:

This post is not to attract a safety debate; I learned no hands in about 1970 and only do it
where safe !

No, it is indeed a good way to test steering and forks, etc, etc.

~PB

Mr John X said:

I have just tightened up trhe headset on my old Raleigh road bike and on riding 'no hands' the bike
seems to want to lean to one side or the other. How has this been brought about.

That's a bit like saying you tightened up the bottom bracket and asking why it's suddenly got
harder to pedal.

--
Dave...

"Dave Kahn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Mr John X said:

I have just tightened up trhe headset on my old Raleigh road bike and on riding 'no hands' the
bike seems to want to lean to one side or the

other.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

How has this been brought about.

That's a bit like saying you tightened up the bottom bracket and asking why it's suddenly got
harder to pedal.

--
Dave...

Indeed,I would go along with your sentiments it was a poorly worded post. Fundamentally a question
on the correct setting of this part of a bicycle. Kindly answered by Mr Cave.-Thanks.