This may qualify as the dumbest question yet (right up there with ‘how do I change a tire’) but I’d be interested in comments - I am most of the way through packing up my roadie to take across to NZ for the break but realised I don’t have the right tools to get my stem out - I’ve undone the central (vertical) bolt in the top of the stem but presumably I need to undo the hexangonal clamp/bolt at the top of the steerer tube - its a chorus threaded headset and I’m worried about overtightening/stripping it - can someone confirm the right direction to undo the clamp and confirm if I should be buying a specific tool for it - I’m nervous about stuffing it up.
Also I would be interested if anyone has any tips on packing around the cranks - as both wheels have to be removed and at present the bottom of the chainring sits on the bottom of (and digs into) the bike case.
well, normally to take a quill stem out, you loosen off the allen head bolt in the top of the stem till it feels easy to turn, (but not all the way because then you loose the wedge on the end), then give it a tap with your palm or a soft something to loosen the wedge, and pull the stem out. no need to loosen the headset, if that’s what you’re taking about.
No, only the stem bolt needs loosening, the headset can be left alone.
If the stem doesn’t move independently of the fork now, first loosen it some more, and if it’s moving upwards instead of staying in place, give it a sharp tap so it drops, and moves the wedge down, freeing the stem.
If the wedge is loose but the stem’s still stuck, try bracing the front wheel with your legs and putting some rotational force on the bars (within reason).
If you’re still stuck, consult Sheldon Brown, you might be in for an adventure involving Penetrene, caustic soda & hacksaw blades.
For your cranks, take your rings/crank off and also your rear derailleur. Don’t forget to brace the dropouts with old hubs, plastic LBS spacers or threaded rod.
+1 on LAM’s comments, you shouldnt need to touch the headset at all (hexagonal bolt).
if you have undone the allen bolt too much you will need to find a long skinny wire or some pliers to try and retrieve the clamp (or turn your bike upside down and try and shake it out).
as for packing around the cranks. get a scrap bit of cardboard or a local street press/paper and fold it around the chainring where it touches the case. i usually tape the cardboard/paper to the top of the ring or seat tube to stop it unfolding/moving. It also serves a dual purpose in stopping the sometimes greasy chainring from transferring said grease to anything nearby. For the same reason i usually leave my chain on the bike but gather the excess in a plastic bag and tape that shut.
Thanks for all the helpful comments - yep I took the allen bolt right out but the stem is still stuck fast which surprised me (as I had thought rightly at it turns out that it was the only connection to the internal clamp). I’ve screwed the bolt back in so I think the clamp must be independently stuck on the inside.
I’ll give it a tap/twist tonight and see how I go.
Call me emelda marcos but I can tell you (or my wife will) that I do not need any more bikes…! She once threatened to back the car over a few of them when an undisclosed little surprise ended up in the shed…which might have had a silver lining in that I could have…
