Evening all,

My new frame has a campag compatible 45\45 integrated headset. If I adjust it to ‘just right’ for turning, there is very slight forward\backwards motion visible at the headset top cover when rocking the bike. If I tighten it up enough to remove the motion, the steering stiffens up noticeably.

I don’t want to damage the frame having the bearings flopping about,so is the slight motion normal?

The intertubes has hinted that there should be a slight gap between the top cap and the frame, and that shims are often supplied to facilitate this. I can see no gap, but have no shims.

Does anyone have any advice or experience? I’m riding tomorrow, so do I ride with it looser, or tighter?