GIRVIN VECTOR II

[SLIM]

 HI
recently bought the vector II .
many thanks to simon for the spare parts to rebuild  
it
now heres the problem
in the steerer there is a threaded " cap "
i assume for the headset instead of a star washer
i wanted to check the thread was ok so got the correct size bolt and tightened it up nice and slow
bit of grease to ease it in, worked a treat,
then right at the end of the thread the " cap "
started to spin now i cant get it out ( the bolt )
didnt force it so no idea what happened
 any ideas ?
 is there a certain way to do this or have i messed up
 thanx                       slim

[Simon]

Sounds like that could be one of those after market
pre-load adjuster ideas that are a replacement for the SFN,
Can you put something up through the steerer tube
eg flat bladed screwdriver and try and jam the cap as you undo the bolt,
failing that drill the head of the bolt ,
anyway don't worry I have a spare steerer you can have
if things get messed up.
Simon.
Ps having looked at the steerer you can't knock the cap or SFN out through the bottom
thats because there is a pin through the steerer stopping this happening,
unless you remove that pin first.  

[SLIM]

where the cap is there are 4 holes beneath it
i think they are whats keeping it in place
does not look like aftermarket
there is a pin at about 3/4 down the steerer not sure what for
tried jamming it through holes no luck
thought about drilling cap to jam something in to hold while unscrewing cap dont know if it will compromise the strength of cap
cant work out how it didnt spin from the start ?
and i wasnt forcing it either
trouble is how will i screw the topcap in if it (cap)
is spinning
thanx

[Simon]

Any chance of a pic
Simon.

[Simon]

I have in the past had a SFN rust to the point that
it fell apart,maybe this cap has corroded to the point
that it no longer grips the steerer tube sidewall,
if thats the case you may be able to knock the cap up through the steerer tube with the bolt still in it.
Simon.

[SLIM]

 SIMON
put pics in the galleries
have a look see what you make of it
forgot to mention the lip around the top of the cap which made me think its original spec
thanx                      slim

[Simon]

Hi Slim,
thats different SNF to the one in my spare or the one in my wifes Vector2 that we've had from new,
also my steerer doesn't have that upper dimple,
anyway I think you should just remove that cap and fit a standard SFN and new bolt,
Simon.

[kneedowndean]

Hey SLim, I think I know what has happened as I had the same problem on my bike. On the Vector 2's Proflex used a 1" steerer and then used this "cap" as a method of screwing in the top cap to compress your bearings, but it is made of soft ally and easily threads. So When I threaded mine I drilled it out, went down to my local bike shop and ot a 1" Star washer from a BMX. This should solve your problem.