Ticking headset '02 vortex: Bikefanclub.com

If anyone followed my excited post about getting my new bike "Ignore all my previous posts" found here...
http://www.bikefanclub.com/forum/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/3160/page/1/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1

...you'll know I experienced a "ticking" or whatever noise from the headset pretty much early on. I have about 300 miles on it. Already had it back once when I told the shop I've heard similiar stories from others online. Saw many mentions on the Litespeed forum, Litespeed's site. They "replaced the cups." This time I called Litespeed, they said no problem will send a new redesigned headset and cups to the shop no charge. So that's where it is. The shop should have them Wednesday, when I can hopefully pick up the bike.

It's not the skewers, a noise I did experience after picking it up the first time, tightened and fixed. Cranks are tight, they tightened those the first time I brought it in. Noise starts after a mile or so and really only when I stand up. After a ride, before getting off, if I just coast not pedaling as slow as I can and either turn the wheel or lean little S-turns it makes the noise while sitting. Also, new DuraAce front deraileur still rubs on the outside in the lowest gears, big front, little back. Had them tweak that first time also. How much to these cables stretch?

A bit of a bummer so far. But I'm not losing any sleep over it...yet. There is obviously an issue with this integrated stuff in the early days, which is what I have: '02 vortex. I really like this bike a lot, but the noise is really not tolerable. Hopefully these new parts will fix it up. Otherwise, Litespeed said, they'll have to take the frame in and see about pressing a new sleeve in the head tube. No more quick 20+ milers before and after work for a few days. And all the trails here are soaked, so the mtb bikes sit as well. Blah...

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