Headset dead spot?

In article ,
wrote:

On Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:59:23 GMT, "Williams"
wrote:

[Note: Normally I would search the archives to find previous messages, but
the Google Advanced Groups Search no longer works. Is there another tool
for that?]

It seems that my front wheel steering has a "dead spot" such that the front
wheel wants to point straight ahead (like there is a detent). Is a headset
adjustment called for?

This is a Chris King threaded headset on a road bike.

thanks,
Craig

Dear Craig,

Most likely, your headset bearing races are pitted, with pits spaced
one ball apart.

It's a familiar problem known as indexed steering--the handlebar will
turn in small steps, as if indexed like a shift lever. It's exactly as
if there are the little detents that you describe because that's what
they are.

The fix is new bearings and races.

Here's an artificially dented headset:
http://home.comcast.net/~carlfogel/download/brinell.jpg

Dear Carl:

fine photo of wanton bike-part destruction (sure, sure, in the name of
science...) but my curiosity is piqued by the rather curious artifact in
the top left of the photo.

No, not the dime. Further left.

--
Ryan Cousineau http://www.wiredcola.com/
"In other newsgroups, they killfile trolls."
"In rec.bicycles.racing, we coach them."