Help with 57 Bianchi headset
10-09-23, 04:44 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 78
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 105 Times
in
63 Posts
Help with 57 Bianchi headset
I recently picked up this 57 Bianchi and the headset has a little play in it. I wanted to tighten it up, but I don't see the traditional 2 lock nuts.
Anyone how to tighen this headset?
thank you.
Anyone how to tighen this headset?
thank you.
10-09-23, 04:54 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: San Clemente
Posts: 664
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, Gold plated Columbus AIR Guerciotti, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 52 Bianchi Paris Roubaix.
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 259 Post(s)
Liked 540 Times
in
166 Posts
I'm pretty sure it's the knurled nut on the top. I forget, there may be some set screws. if that's the case make sure you loosen.
Likes For mackgoo:
10-09-23, 05:00 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,055
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3015 Post(s)
Liked 3,804 Times
in
1,408 Posts
See the bolt with the B on it? That is a clamp-on headset. Popular with track bikes, Bianchi and several English bikes.
Loosen the B bolt. Screw down the the knurled nut until the play is gone. Tighten B bolt. Give the knurled nut just a bit more turn and Bob's yer uncle.
Loosen the B bolt. Screw down the the knurled nut until the play is gone. Tighten B bolt. Give the knurled nut just a bit more turn and Bob's yer uncle.
Likes For iab:
10-09-23, 05:15 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,047
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,388 Times
in
3,673 Posts
And proceed with caution, overhaul should be on the table to gain familiarity and understanding given the question.
This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge you may never use again and make sure this lives on as it should.
This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge you may never use again and make sure this lives on as it should.
Likes For merziac:
10-09-23, 05:31 PM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 78
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 105 Times
in
63 Posts
the screws have holes on opposite ends so I think there is a special tool need for turning these. The top one I got off with a pipe wrench wrapped in cloth. I was able to move the clamp up a little.
10-09-23, 05:36 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,271
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3814 Post(s)
Liked 3,345 Times
in
2,182 Posts
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
10-09-23, 05:54 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,047
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,388 Times
in
3,673 Posts
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
Park and other tool manufacturers make a pin tool which fits the horizontal holes in the locknut
here is the fellow from VAR for example, Nr. 13
use of such a tool prevents galling of the knurling on the lock nut which occurs with use of pump pliers/channelock
should you wish to repack at some point set uses 1/8" ball
-----
10-09-23, 06:00 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,055
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3015 Post(s)
Liked 3,804 Times
in
1,408 Posts
You can go with the tool juvela posted, for a small fortune. Or, a plumber's strap wrench does the job. The top nut does not need to ne much more than finger tight.
Likes For iab:
10-09-23, 06:21 PM
#9
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,658
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1027 Post(s)
Liked 2,531 Times
in
1,059 Posts
The VAR 13 ([pictured below on the left) is a great tool for the job (I have used it successfully with old Bianchi built-in headsets), but I don't think it is made anymore. They can be had on eBay, but are often spendy. [utag=458869]WilliamT, if you buy one, make 100% sure it has the two little screw-in pins. They can moved from being parallel (for adjustable BB cups - you can see the holes for this position in the photo) to pointing towards each other (perfect for the little holes in the headset cup/race and knurled top nut.) The tool is worthless without them. The wing nut allows for a wide range of adjustability.
VAR also made a purpose-designed set of pliers to use on the knurled nut while the VAR 13 was used on the cup/race. The pliers are pictured below on the right. I've used those, too, but they really aren't any better than using a pair of channel-lock pliers (with a rag to avoid leaving "scars"). The strap wrench shown by iab would probably work at least as well with less risk of surface damage to the knurled nut.
I think the best thing about the VAR tools actually is their appearance. Their is a certain Gallic, funky, almost rustic charm to them, at least to my eye
VAR also made a purpose-designed set of pliers to use on the knurled nut while the VAR 13 was used on the cup/race. The pliers are pictured below on the right. I've used those, too, but they really aren't any better than using a pair of channel-lock pliers (with a rag to avoid leaving "scars"). The strap wrench shown by iab would probably work at least as well with less risk of surface damage to the knurled nut.
I think the best thing about the VAR tools actually is their appearance. Their is a certain Gallic, funky, almost rustic charm to them, at least to my eye
__________________
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
10-09-23, 06:23 PM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 78
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 105 Times
in
63 Posts
Ok, I was able to remove all the upper parts and I used use a pick and hammer to tap the nut over a little more; just enough so there is no play.
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
Likes For WilliamT:
10-09-23, 06:51 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,055
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3015 Post(s)
Liked 3,804 Times
in
1,408 Posts
I do love a Bianchi Gran Sport. Classy bike. I just wish they made them something other than 54cm. Just too small for me.
10-09-23, 06:52 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,047
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,388 Times
in
3,673 Posts
Ok, I was able to remove all the upper parts and I used use a pick and hammer to tap the nut over a little more; just enough so there is no play.
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
(I would like to eventually look for that tool. I have a few of the park tools for the bottom bracket, freewheel, some spanner wrenches, etc. but nothing that clamps the headset with just 2 pins).
One tool that helped a lot was using retaining ring pliers to expand the clamp so I could slide it out of the way
SPEEDWOX 2 Pcs Special Ring Retaining Ring Pliers Set Lock Ring Pliers Flat for Removing Installing Gearshift Locking Rings Angle Tip Circlip Plier Automobile Transmission Clutch Tool Fathers Day Gift - Amazon.com
Anyways, its back together and on to the next task; the brakes which are side pull univerals so that should be easy.
Reply
Likes For WilliamT:
11-11-23, 08:43 AM
#14
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,863
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2930 Post(s)
Liked 2,928 Times
in
1,493 Posts
Nice looking Bianchi, digging the mudguards. The CdI in the background looks nice too.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
11-11-23, 08:57 AM
#15
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,790
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3590 Post(s)
Liked 3,401 Times
in
1,935 Posts
Ideally, the VAR #13 or the unobtanium Campagnolo #772. Practically, just grasping the knurled nut, by hand or with a slip-jaw pliers ought to work.
Likes For JohnDThompson:
