Your Hosking Bike arrives partially assembled. This short guide shows the final steps to install the stem, preload the headset and finish the build safely.

Tools & parts

• Allen keys (2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm)
• Internal expander plug (included)
• Top cap & bolt (included)

Quick overview

• Slide the stem onto the steerer (spacers are pre-installed)
• Fit the internal expander plug into the carbon steerer
• Install the top cap and lightly preload the headset
• Align the stem with the front wheel and torque bolts
• Re-check headset play

Step-by-step

1 — Prepare the steerer

Clean the inside and outside of the steerer with a rag to remove any dust or debris picked up during shipping. The spacer stack is already set — you don’t need to change spacers.

2 — Fit the stem

Slide the stem down the steerer until it seats on the existing spacer stack. No spacer adjustments are necessary.

3 — Install the internal expander plug

Insert the expander plug in the top of the steerer. Tighten the expander bolt only enough for the plug to grip the inside of the steerer — this bolt is not the final torque. It just holds the plug while you preload the headset.

4 — Preload the headset

Fit the top cap and thread the bolt into the expander by hand. Tighten progressively until headset play is removed — you want smooth rotation with no vertical movement. Typical preload is light (roughly 2–6 Nm) but follow the top cap/headset manufacturer's guidance.

Check: Hold the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. If you feel a knock, increase preload slightly so there is no movement. If steering feels too firm, reduce preload slightly.

5 — Align the stem and torque bolts

Visually align the stem with the front wheel. Lightly tighten the stem clamp bolts so the stem holds position but can still be nudged.

Once aligned, torque the stem clamp bolts evenly to the stem manufacturer's specification — typically 4–6 Nm for carbon bolts. If the clamp uses two bolts, tighten gradually and alternate between bolts in small increments.

6 — Final checks

• Confirm the headset still has no play after stem bolts are torqued.
• Ensure the steering turns smoothly through its full range.
• Re-torque stem bolts after a short initial ride if needed.

Troubleshooting

Headset still has play: Loosen stem bolts, loosen the top cap, apply downward pressure to the stem and re-tighten the top cap, then retighten stem bolts.

Steering feels tight: Reduce top cap preload slightly.