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The stem holds the headset bearing adjustment when you use a plug or a star nut. The beartrap and I believe a similar product called a ringo something made by U.S.E work by expanding between a set stem and the bearings, although if the stem were to loosen up, the adjustment would also go. I've never used that beartrap, but I've read about it and looked at it, and that adjustment screw looked too small for my piece of mind.jaredhartman said:When the stem is tightened to the steerer tube of a threadless fork, the stem acts as a lock for the headset bearing adjustment. The Beartrap adjuster loosening should not cause your headset to loosen unless the stem bolts were loose.
I've been using two beartraps for about a year. They work great. I plan on continuing using them.EasyRider47 said:To any who may be concerned about life & limb:
Based on my personal experience yesterday with a new Easton SL90 Fork with the Easton HSA (BearTrap headset adjuster), I would strongly recommend that anyone who uses this fork and BearTrap setup should first ensure that their life insurance policy is in force!
I had the above-noted fork and hsa installed on Friday and after having it double-checked at the LBS, I went for a ride that afternoon. After a half hour of climbing a few hills, I started down a steep slope, pushing 60+ kmph....and then I felt my handlebars move slightly - I touched the front brakes slightly to slow down and see what was going on - and the entire front end of the bike started rocking, almost uncontrollably - it felt like my front fork had disengaged from the wheel! I took my hand off the brake and I continued down the hill (holding my breath) and I let the bike stop on its own at the bottom of the hill and just used the rear brake. I moved my handlebars forwardand the wheel moved backwards and inch or two - the fork was loose in the headtube - the so-called Easton headset adjuster mechanism (BearTrap mechanism) was completely loose (it was tight at the LBS).
Somehwat enraged, I called the LBS - and he confirmed that he had this complaint from a number of parties and he had experienced this himself! He indicated it appears to come loose quite easily! (They didn't tell me this when I bought the damn thing!)
IS EASTON LOOKING FOR LIABILITY CLAIMS AND DO THEY EVER USE THEIR OWN PRODUCTS? DO THEIR ENGINEERS EVER RIDE A BIKE? IF NOT, I WILL LEND THEM MY BIKE AND TAKE THEM TO A NICE STEEP HILL TO TRY OUT THEIR PRODUCTS!
IMAGINE, A HEADSET ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOOSENS BY ITSELF!!! WTF IS GOING ON AT EASTON????
NEEDLESS TO SAY - TODAY I HAD THE LBS REMOVE THE EASTON SH_T (Pat - I'd like to buy a vowel...an "i"!) FROM MY BIKE.
Just thought someone might be interested......
EasyRider47
PS - This is my second product failure with Easton - the Easton EC-90 Stem - cannot be secured in place either (another marvellous piece of imaginative engineering from Easton - a stem that never tightens securely - maintains flexibility in all conditions!)- I dumped it last year! And no response from my email complaint to them about it either!
I guess you know what I think about Easton going forward.....
I'd be blastin' around, too, if I was one of the lucky ones who got to touch a Zero Gravity crankset. Bastard.Juanmoretime said:I've been using two beartraps for about a year. They work great. I plan on continuing using them.
I just returned for the TDG and was blasting down mounatin passes in excess of 50 MPH and the bike steered like it was on rails. Still no loose headset.
don't you have a set of Dracula's on the way? and some custom Ligero wheels? Crap, how long do I have to wait? Post pics.!!!!alienator said:I'd be blastin' around, too, if I was one of the lucky ones who got to touch a Zero Gravity crankset. Bastard.
How long do YOU have to wait??? How long do I have to wait? See, even Juanmoretime gets to see my wheels, as well as new, Fabulous Fashions by Ligero knitted products before me!Phat&SlowVelo said:don't you have a set of Dracula's on the way? and some custom Ligero wheels? Crap, how long do I have to wait? Post pics.!!!!
They were awesome! To actually see the design and examine the machining, the bottom bracket axle was huge to say nothing of the Phil Wood bearings.alienator said:I'd be blastin' around, too, if I was one of the lucky ones who got to touch a Zero Gravity crankset. Bastard.
It'll be interesting to see how the ZG cranks perform. There be a lot of naysayers who think the crankarms will be less than stiff, but I'm more of the wait and see kind of mind. I really don't believe that ZG would put out a noodly set of cranks. They're damned sexy that's for sure.Juanmoretime said:They were awesome! To actually see the design and examine the machining, the bottom bracket axle was huge to say nothing of the Phil Wood bearings.
I'm having some very unholy, randy thoughts right now, especially since that looks like a rear wheel that'd fit nicely on my bike. But while the wheel looks nice, I know it can't be mind 'cuz Troy said he was buildin' my rear up w/ 29 spokes. The wheel in the picture only has 28 spokes!Juanmoretime said:Besides you will be very happy. Troy knits better than my Mom did. ;^)
Guess who's wheel Troy has in the stand?