Headset

[Yellow Fang]

I've just bought some carbon forks off ebay for my mountain bike. However nothing is ever simple and straightforward. I think I need a new headset, or maybe just part of a headset. I don't see why I would need a new top part of the headset, because that's still attached to the headtube, but it looks like I need something for the bottom of the headtube to sit on, maybe something that attaches to the forks. Can you get parts of headsets? Also, it is really a bikeshop job or can you have a go at it yourself?

 

[accountantpete]

Thou needeth a Crown Race - isn't there one on the old forks that can be used?

These come in two basic flavours - one with a race that mates with caged bearings and another type that has an angled race which mates with sealed bearings.

It's easy enough to do yourself.

 

[Yellow Fang]

I will need to have another look when I get back. There was something on my old fork which I tried to knock off with a mallet. This exposed some ball bearings. I noticed one of them was missing, so I suppose I should replace this part or parts. Can I assume that that the lower cup is probably still attached to the head tube and this is the thing that you would probably need the bike shop for?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

headsets start at £5, therefore i doubt you'll gets bits, unless a mate or friendly lbs can help out.

 

[accountantpete]

No disrespect but I would get the LBS to install a new headset.

You can get a new one and install it yourself but there is a lot of measuring etc etc and for what they are likely to charge it will save you a bit of a headache.

 

[Yellow Fang]

If I had to fit the cups then I would take the bike to the bike shop, but if I can get away with buying a race off ebay then I might do that. I went down the LBS this afternoon to see when they could do the job, but that led to questions as to what sort of headset I was using, internal, external or something else. When they can do it depends on what sort of headset I need because they may have to order the part <sigh>

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

why not just diy? hammer and rod to get out, hammer and piece of wood to get in...simples.

 

[the snail]

I noticed one of them was missing, so I suppose I should replace this part or parts.

that's normal with loose bearings - there will be one fewer bearings than could fit in there. I would check the races for any sign of wear, and replace if necessary - it should be fairly cheap to replace.