>>>>>>>>>For those who blame the RIGs Headset.......HERE is the fix \/

[banks]

It's not the headset.

The "casting" of the stem is not perfect. The bottom of the stem where it contacts the headset spacers/headset is way off square.
I have a Stein Stem Facing Tool and took off almost 3mm!!!!! to get the bottom of the stem square!

Fixed the problem quickly.

Scoty

[shiggy]

WOW! Good catch, Scoty.

Never thought of facing a stem.

[Cloxxki]

Shhhhhhhh!
Just when Fisher was going to spec something even nicer... :-)
Is the same faulty stem used on the other Genesis bikes, or have only been Rigs been affected?

Good catch indeed. Eagle Eye of the Year!

[Nat]

It's not the headset.

The "casting" of the stem is not perfect. The bottom of the stem where it contacts the headset spacers/headset is way off square.
I have a Stein Stem Facing Tool and took off almost 3mm!!!!! to get the bottom of the stem square!

Fixed the problem quickly.

Scoty

Good catch, and cool, but not entirely true. I never even had my stock stem mounted. I immediately replaced it (O.S. size) so I could use an H-Bar (standard size). Even with aftermarket stem my HS was problematic.

Never heard of a stem facing tool. Cool!

[banks]

The Stem Facing Tool is a tool you didn't even know you needed until now! It precisely mills the lower face of threadless stems exactly perpendicular to the axis of the steering tube assuring even pressure on the head bearing. This tool prevents binding of the bearing from pressure on only one side of the headset that can cause premature wear and impede accurate adjustment. Includes bushings for 1" and 1 1/8" stems. Part# SF-1

BTI, QPB, UBT have them.

Scoty

[OneGearGuy]

Eagle eye for sure!
it's good to know there is such a tool. i bet many stems are off by at least a little bit. i will check all of mine from now on.

[czardonic]

I happened across this last week and your post reminded me of it:

Where does that little plastic washer that came with my headset go?
Answer: The 'scuff washer' is intended to go between the bearing cap and stem or stem spacers to help offset the effects of unfaced stems. It will help reduce the adjustment problems and creaking commonly caused by unfaced stems. (http://www.chrisking.com/tech/tech_FAQ.html).