Headset tension knocking

Hi,

i've just (almost) finished my first fixed conversion and rode it for the first time recently.

after dealing with a few niggles my problem at the minute is with the headset.

On the first ride it worked loose. I've read through

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9545.html

and

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127#adjust

but i'm struggling to set the headset up so that the forks spin freely with no knocking.

Should you be able to stop the forks from spinning freely whilst tightening the locknut and holding the lower race in place? on my bike you can and i can't quite fathom how that is possible. Do i want the locknut really tight to the adjustable race? Should it work loose, i'm assuming not?

Apologies for being a noob but i'm struggling to find the confidence in the way the headset is set up and am reluctant to ride it at the moment.

The easiest way to stop the forks turning while adjusting headset (I'm assuming it's threaded) is have the front wheel in and clamp it between your knees - helps if you either have a stand or an assistant to hold the rest of the bike upright. The locknut should indeed be pretty tight against the adjustable race, and there should be a washer or spacer of some sort between the two, ideally with a tab that engages in a slot on the steerer (not essential but helps to stop things turning as you do them up). The confusing thing is that the adjustment tends to go slightly loose as you snug everything up, so the adjustable race should be very slightly over-tight just before everything gets tight, it will then end up correct (if you see what I mean). There's always a degree of trial and error and 'feel' involved, just keep doing it until it's right and the locknut good and tight. Headrace spanners are long for good reason...

yeah it's threaded and i have the washer thing with the tab.

ok i'll have another go, it's just the sort of thing that is hard to have confidence doing when you have no experience, anyway thanks for the advice.

if you're still having probs (and are in London) bring it round and I'll take a look for you

Strange but true: you should adjust the headset after fitting and tightening the stem (assuming it's quill) in the fork header, as tightening the quill can affect the adjustment of the headset.

This thread is full of win- a decent op question and thereafter decent answers, including an offer of help.

Let's all have a group hug