Integrated Headset FSA Orbit CE Plus

[Herzog]

After years of bombing round on an 80's racer, I've finally bought a new bike. I'm building up the bike myself but I've hit a problem, the integrated headset.

This one: http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/310/Orbit-CE-Plus

I've absolutely no experience of heatset installation, but have a headset press I use for BB30 bearings. A few questions:

- how do I attach the bottom bearing to the fork?
- Does the top bearing need to pushed into frame with headset press?

Depending on the answers, I may take it to the shop. I'd like to learn how to do though.

 

[accountantpete]

Absolute piece of cake Herzog.

The angled crown race goes on the forks.

You then take a bearing and you'll see the that the inner ring has a similar angle which mates with the crown race and on the other side the outer has an angle which mates with the angle in the headtube.

Simply pop the bearing on the crown race the right way and then thread the steerer through the headtube.

Then put the other bearing on the steerer with the angled outer facing downwards and push it into the headtube.

You then put the top on and that's it!

ps you may have a washer between the top bearing and top cap.

From the diagram you have an angled compression clip which mates with the top bearing and then a washer.

You shouldn't need a bearing press if the headtube has been made correctly.

 

[Herzog]

Thanks Accountant Pete.

The crown race and bearing are already together (i.e., one piece). When I put this on the fork by hand, it can easily be removed. Do I need to whack it into place?


Thanks,

Herzog

 

[accountantpete]

No - the crown race is meant to slide on reasonably easily.

 

[Herzog]

No, it's an alu steerer on a carbon fork.

I've done as you suggested and there's a little play in the fork, not much. I think this is due to a small gap beneath the bottom race and the fork

 

[Herzog]

Got it. Eliminated the play and it feels solid - many thanks,

Herzog

 

[accountantpete]

No, it's an alu steerer on a carbon fork.

I've done as you suggested and there's a little play in the fork, not much. I think this is due to a small gap beneath the bottom race and the fork

I only mentioned that as on carbon steerers the compression ring has a habit of biting into the steerer if not perfectly set up- so not to worry in your case.

As you can see it is amazingly simple isn't it?

 

[Herzog]

Vey simple indeed. I've always had a slight fear of stems and headsets. I knackered one when I was a kid, and the memory still haunts me.

Cheers for the instructions, you saved me a lot of time and worry,

Herzog