advice on fitting new headset

[Rob Taylor]

do i need any special tools to fit a new conventional threadless headset?

im sure ive read about having to get the bearing cups pressed into the

headtube and make sure they are level -- is this a job that can be done

fairly easily or is it best to go to a shop

any advice ? cheers

[Jon H]

Four options as far as I know:

1) Take it to a bike shop.

2) Buy a proper headset installation tool.

3) Improvise a tool with a length of threaded bar, some nuts and big washers.

4) Use a block of wood over the cups and carefully tap it in with a hammer.

[Dombo]

Shop is best, especially if the head tube ends need facing so the headset sits perfectly square. Even a tiny amount of paint can put it out of true and rapidly increase wear over time.

[Rob Taylor]

thanks -

have u or anyone tryed the block of wood and tap with a hammer method?

[Dr Frigo]

For DIY I think it's best to use method 3 than 4.

Unless the press-fit is easy enough that it only requires little force to push in.

I've made my tool like Jon says as here http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/headset.html

[img]http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/images/headset.jpg[/img]

It works well but it's best to only press one cup at a time.

[Ian A4size]

Nice tool Sylv.

I have made something similar, but did not get round to taking a photo of it as i was not that proud of myself!
Fairly easy job tho, Robert.
I used a large piece of copper tube to tap the crown race on the forks as well.

[Dr Frigo]

That's not mine but the one on the website i posted

Mine's nowhere as neat as that

[George]

how did I know the plumber had used copper tube

[Rob Taylor]

thanks - think i will make something up and give it a go

[Paul H]

I fitted a headset last night with a block of wood and all appears ok.

[George]

Tightened up your bars yet Paul

[Mike I]

I fitted a headset with a block of wood four years ago and it's been fine since. It won't be now of course, so thanks for the tips.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I have a very similar tool that has served me well over the years, but some of the latest hidden headsets can be fitted by hand, i.e. just pushed in, and require no tools, just a bikeshop to charge the earth for not much!! Fork crown race still needs a bit of copper tube though.

paul