Re: [CR]headset replacement...

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 07:50:29 -0500
Subject: Re: [CR]headset replacement...
From: "Roy H. Drinkwater" <roydrink@mac.com>
To: dave <kawika@austin.rr.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <p04330101b81f564f39b4@[24.160.3.91]>


> so the question (s): would this be better left to the bikeshop? or
> is it possible to do yourself given some mechanical skill? if
> possible for one to safely attempt which tools would be advised? how
> does one determine 'stack height'? how may different thread types,
> that is italian, english, french and so on, be id-ed?
>
> hope someone might spare some time for this,

I was considering this a month or two ago, and even asked the list.

As others have said, if you have a good LBS, it's worth taking it to them and paying $15-$30+ for one install. If you have more than three headsets to install, or don't have a good LBS, or just want to DIY, then go for it

The tools needed for removal / install would be 4; the fork crown remover (the ring on the fork), the fixed cup remover (the two cups on the frame's headtube), the fork crown installer, and the fixed cup press. This doesn't cover facing, milling the headtube so the ends are parallel, but most felt that if there's a headset already installed, it's probably not necessary. Purchasing new tools could be from $100~250, finding used or substitute tools are much less.

Stack height is the length of the fork from the bottom of the crown race to the top of the fork minus the length of the headtube. If you have excess fork length, you can use spacers, but if you don't have enough, you have to use a headset with a smaller stack height.

English and Italian are interchangeable, French are smaller threads. There's another thing to consider, crown race diameter. 26.4mm is for upper end bikes, 27.0 are for low end bikes.

Roy "late for work" Drinkwater
Lititz, PA