gitaneusa.com :: View topic - Is it a bug or a feature? Handlebar/stem quirks...

dangit

Well, as you all know I recently purchased my first Gitane. Now one thing strikes me as odd as I've never experienced anything like this nor heard of it. The handlebar/stem seems to "lock" in the "default" position as if it was specifically made for racing straights. Since I don't know if this is design or a fault in the construction I thought I'd ask here. It is a bit hard to explain and that's why I've attached the vid.

If anyone could enlighten me I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v15838501DDp385HC

Cheers,
Daniel.

sandranian · Site Admin

That is a problem with the headset: It is, most probably, worn out. This is called (in slang) "indexing" of the headset. A bearing or some bearings cause "dents" or impressions in the bearing race, so it sticks in one position or another. You will have to replace that headset.

This is, most probably, the problem.

dangit

Thanks for the input, Stephan. Today I took the headset apart to have a look if I could find anything. The bearings and the walls (bearing race?) didn't offer any new insights. It seems as if it's like you described it. I guess I'll have to let go of my beautiful Dura Ace headset. Sad

Cheers,
Daniel.

verktyg

Daniel,

You can do a temporary fix by rotating the fork crown race or the bottom headset cup a little so that the bearings don't sit in the divots. Also use loose bearings. This may make the headset usable for a little while longer.

There are special tools for removing the crown race and bearing cup.

Chas.

dangit

dangit

Hey all,

after a while of absence and fun of riding my Gitane I've decided that I want to replace the headset but I have the wee problem of not knowing all the details. I want to make sure I get the right headset. Does anyone here know the specific size of the crown race?

I appreciate any help and input. Thanks in advance,

Daniel.

Gtane

Dangit,

It's probably a 1" headset (complete unit including top and bottom races) but you'll need to measure the outside diameter of the fork tube to be sure.

Other forum members may well have further information here before a definitive decision is cast.

It might be worth posting your old headset measurements.

Tim

verktyg

Most better quality headsets have the size stamped into the top threaded parts: 25 x 1, 25.4 x 24, 1 x 24 etc. I would check these first.

Measuring the steering tube is not necessarily a good way to determine the thread size. I've seen inch size steering tubes with metric threads. You need to use a thread pitch gage and measure the threads themselves.

You may need to remove the fork crown bearing race to determine whether it's 26.4mm or 27mm diameter. Sometimes there is enough material sticking out above the crown race to get a measurement.

Good luck,

Chas.

dangit

Tim and Chas,

thanks much for your helpful and fast replies. The headset I've been riding so far is, as mentioned above, a Dura Ace Headset. The size is indeed stamped on the inside: 25x1. Compared to most modern headsets it has a rather thick stack height of 41,5 mm. Just to make sure I also measured the outside diameter of the fork tube and that would be 32,5 mm. I'll try to remove the race tomorrow.

Thanks,
Daniel.

verktyg

Daniel,

Below are 6 French threaded headsets that I found on US eBay. These should all have a 40mm - 43mm stack height.

Stronglight S5 Super Competition headsets are really well made. I've never seen a Stronglight S7 model but it looks pretty much the same as the S5. The Stronglight D6 is an alloy headset much like a Campagnolo Super Record. The D6 tends to brinell or pit easily so I don't recommend it.

In the mid 70s Campy Nuovo Record headsets had problems with the bearing races brinelling quickly. We were replacing the bottom races and fork crown races on most of the Campy headsets we sold. We checked about 18 headsets with a hardness tester. All of the Campys we tested were "soft", around 48Rc whereas most of the other makes were about 58Rc to 60Rc hardness, even cheap ones.

We replaced quite a few with Zeus headsets which were half the price and better made! Rolling Eyes

Edco headsets were pretty well made. Raleigh used them on some of their Team bikes.

Ofmega is a knock off of the original steel Campy C-Record headsets.

http://cgi.ebay.com/STRONGLIGHT-HEADSET-S5-FRENCH-THEARD-NIB_W0QQitemZ360108771278QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item360108771278&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/STRONGLIGHT-HEADSET-S7-FRENCH-THEARD-NIB_W0QQitemZ160299625939QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item160299625939&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stronglight-D6-dural-headset-25x100_W0QQitemZ150310952115QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item150310952115&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318#ebayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/Campagnolo-Nuovo-Record-Headset-C-French-Threads-RARE_W0QQitemZ320318178256QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320318178256&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Edco-Professional-Gold-French-Thread-Headset_W0QQitemZ320318784899QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320318784899&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Ofmega-Master-Headset-French-Threading-Sizing_W0QQitemZ220298078008QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

If you are going to replace your headset I recommend that you take the frame to a competent bike shop that has the correct tools and have them face off the top & bottom of the head tube plus the fork crown. Also have them press in the cups and fork crown race.

Chas.

dangit

Chas,

thanks a lot for all your input and help. Really. That's quite a bit of information. Even though I should have I didn't think about searching on eBay.

I also found this:
http://cgi.ebay.de/French-Threaded-Campagnolo-Headset-NOS_W0QQitemZ110313917564QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item110313917564&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

and this:
http://cgi.ebay.de/Vintage-France-Headset-25X1-Made-In-France-NEW-IN-BOX_W0QQitemZ370115940966QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item370115940966&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

Thanks again,
Daniel

verktyg

Daniel,

The Campagnolo headset is a Gran Sport model and only has a 34mm stack height. The Motobecane is a very low quality headset and the stack height is probably less than 30mm.

Chas.