Bicycle Headset Installation 101

Installing a complete headset on a pre-cut steerer tubed fork.. This bike had been prepped by removing the old headset and old crown race. The tools to complete this task are not usually available in shops but can be obtained by special orders.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• headset
• head
• tube
• bearings
• install
• crown
• race
• mountain
• bike
• road
• steerer

[xfimpg]

Looks like you have a 1 1/8" steerer tube.

What crown race tool would you use on a tapered 1 3/8"?

[funniboan]

@xfimpg 1 3/8" wow, i haven't seen one of those yet. It might be wise to contact Park Tool or Cane Creek. having briefly looked for some details about this new system, I'm not sure that there is a standard tool yet. It seems to appear only on carbon steerer/bike assemblies and therefore would indicate that the 1 3/8" crown race is integrated and therefore non-removable. Please repost if you find some info!

[BigEarn86]

That looks like a trek fuel. Did you remove a headset prior to this install? If so did you use the normal tool? With that hourglass head tube I am not sure whethter the standard tool would work or not. Thanks

[funniboan]

@BigEarn86 Same tool buddy. If I remember correctly some of these are stepped just inside where the cups seat so be sure that your tool is sitting on the cup and not part of the frame.

[crunkss]

I only used a very small amount of grease when I installed my aluminum cups on my steel frame...there was no grease gushing out of the sides when the cups were finished being pressed.

Should I have used a lot of grease? Will my headset and/or frame become damaged/cracked over time because of this?

thanks.

[funniboan]

@crunkss doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about. no matter how much grease you put on only a tiny residual is left between the frame and headset cups. Having grease gush out is just not necessary. If your headset is seated properly and preloaded properly with the top cap nut, you shouldn't have problems.

[velo941]

this guy is what i call a proper bicycle mechanic

[funniboan]

@akaTheDevil dude, they charged you $50? where? this is a $20 dollar job in Utah.

[Mr123pspfreak]

This guy has lots of money to buy tools but not lots of money to buy a CHRIS KING head set, come on dude go for the best

[beerman1957]

Excellent video. If you have an All-Carbon fork is the install the same?

[rusty7two]

So easy......

[xfimpg]

@funniboan Correction! Just got an email from Park Tool that the 1 1/2" would slip on the 1 3/8" crown race. Looks like I will need a custom tool. Damn Specialized!

[xfimpg]

@funniboan Got the info. For a 1 3/8" crown you would use a 1 1/2" crown setting tool. Btw, the 1 3/8" is for a Specialized Roubaix Pro frame. If anyone ever asks you, the 1 1/8 top - 1 3/8 bottom headset is only available from Specialized (but made by Cane Creek). Cane Creek says it will be available this spring. Chris King and FSA don't make one in those dimensions either. Bummer! I like having options!

[BigEarn86]

@funniboan So if the tool isn't quite aligned ie it is on the frame not the cup, how would you go about compressing the end of the tool to ensure it is on the edge of the cup? That sounds confuising but I think you get the picture. Thanks