Stiff Headset/steering

Ive recently built a new leader 725. Its my first build and its great apart from the headset/steering. When I tighten up the headset the steering then becomes quite stiff, so stiff that if you turn the bike on its side the wheel will continue to point straight. Any ideas?

Threaded or aheadset?

its a sealed bearing semi-integrated 1 1/8” threadless headset.

Perhaps loosen it? Or am I being too obtuse?

its as loose as it can be without falling out. Its seems better without any spacers used.

Is it cartridge bearings?
Are you using the split spacer on top of the top bearing that slides over the steer tube on top of the top bearing to keep everything spaced properly?
Sounds like you're either missing something or something's in the wrong place.
Can u take a pic?

If you have the manual for the headset, have a good look at the diagram of parts and try again. If you don't have the manual, it's probably available online somewhere. Like sdw said - it sounds very much as though something is missing / in the wrong place / upside down.

is it a new frame ? sometimes if the forks have taken a bash and aren't true that can cause a tightening of the headset

This is the headset im using http://bricklanebikes.co.uk/system/postimages/1542/large/ZeroStack2WEB.jpg

Tange have a rubbish website so it may be tricky to find the manual. Have you fitted a headset before? It should end up a lot like this, but without the upper and lower head tube races.

It sounds like you could be missing the compression ring, which would result in tightening the top cap / seal against the outside of the bearing rather than the inside.

yes that its I could get the compression ring in. That the problem? Ill go try again tonight. Cheers guys.

Couldn't get it in? It should just slide onto the steerer tube and compress when the top cap is tightened.

Done! Cheers guys! All working smoothly now!