I went to ride the Apollo yesterday...

[McPete]

...And discovered that I'd stripped a rather critical bolt; the one that runs from the top of the quill to the steering block(Dunno if that's what it's actually called) at the bottom of the headset.

(Photos shortly)

My question; are these bolts standard bits that I should be able to pick up with a quick trip to Illawarra Fastners or should I be looking for another Apollo III to canibalise for parts?

[europa]

It should be a standard part. With some mtbs still using quills, there's a fair bet that your lbs will have one. I'd ring first though.

I'd put it in the 'it should be easy to get but we may not have one in stock' basket. A bit like wanting a new tyre and they've got everything BUT the one you really wanted.

I would be asking yourself why you stripped that bolt - it could be there's some other issue such as rust (which makes you apply more effort to the bolt than needed). The fitting the bolt screws into is cast muck metal - the best answer may be to get that as well. Take the bits with you and discuss it with the shop. Also see if there's any rust inside the steering tube - something made you apply that much force to the bolt, and it's not always a dose of ham fistedness.

Richard

[McPete]

I had the headset apart a few days ago and I bolt was skipping about, not fully engaging in the steering block. This was rectified by bashing the top of the stem with a large allen key, afterward the bolt seemed to bite. However, I pushed the bike home, as I had another as well, my STP.

Apon disassembly today, I have discovered the steering block is also stripped. However, I am confident that such a part will easily be obtained from a tip bike. The bolt as well, perhaps?

[europa]

Yeah, you should get both easily enough. I'd price new though - I doubt it's an expensive item and sometimes, a couple of bucks spent is better than a couple saved. If nothing else, you'll know how much you saved when you raid the tip bike

Richard

[McPete]

Ok, here are some pictures.
The bolt that started it:

The sheared end:

The "steering block":

[europa]

Yup, that's the fitting I was thinking of. Doesn't change my comments any. Looks like you did a good job of stuffing it up though. Ever thought of working at a lbs?

Richard

[McPete]

Nah mate, I've got a job as an instrument fitter. Littler mistakes, bigger bills afterward.

[mikeg]

This may help you out



Moruya Bicycles stem parts

Mike

[GaryF]

Europa - we must have the same lbs.

Mc Pete - europa is right, again. Your lbs should have those parts and they should be quite cheap.

[McPete]

Ah, awesome, only about $3. That's a relief.

[europa]

Ah, awesome, only about $3. That's a relief.

I hope you wore your mask when you robbed him.

Richard

[McPete]

...I was quoting the price from the provided link, I'm no criminal(In this regard at least!)!

[McPete]

Well. Went into Spearman's, got one to try, got it home and my dad had another look at the original parts.

A tappet set, a grinder and I'm back in business!

Fortunatly the staff at Spearman's were happy to swap it, and happier still when then, in a fit of consumerisim, I bought a Topeak WhiteLite tripple LED headlight and an Echo F2 computer.

Yay, road bikeness!