Langster build - headset?

[phil120867]

I,ve bought an 09 Al Langster and a FACT full carbon fork but the existing headset that came with the frame (ebay) is shot. I'm looking for an integrated headset that will fit both the FACT fork and the integrated frame. I've looked on crane creek and they've given me these figures IS41/28.6|IS41/30 I have no clue if it'll fit and the chaepest on is £30 so I need to get it right. I've got several old bearings but they are all about 5/7mm too thick.

 

[accountantpete]

Sorry - have no knowledge of the Langster headset but the following may help

1. The bearings are held in a metal cage which has two bevelled edges - the internal bevel is usually at 45% and mates with the angled bevel on the crown race (also 45%). If the fact forks have a crown race with 45% bevel then you can use this.

2. The bearings must be a nice fit for the headtube - so you need to measure the internal diameter so that they fit AND you will see that there is a ledge inside the headtube that the bearings rest on. This has a slope which mates with the outside bevel on the bearings and sometimes this is flatter (36%) than the internal bevel.

So summing up - get the internal diameter of the headtube and slope of the ledge and you should be able to get a headset to match. I'd get these measurements from the old bearings.

 

[phil120867]

they are caged balls, 25 tiny ballbearings in each but I think I was sold a pup of a headset with the frame, it seems to be too small and flimsy, I've just had another go of installing and its just grinding away at the lower BB cup.

 

[MrGrumpy]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23828

ooft thats expensive

The one on my langster was shot as well but fortunately enough my frame had packed in as well so shiny new one coming free gratis . However I think I will grease said headset more often and hopefully stop the rot.

Edit just seen that the above item has now been discontinued, however new bearing races from here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11266

 

[accountantpete]

they are caged balls, 25 tiny ballbearings in each but I think I was sold a pup of a headset with the frame, it seems to be too small and flimsy, I've just had another go of installing and its just grinding away at the lower BB cup.

If you have caged balls then you have a semi-integrated headset. The 09 Langster should have come with a stock integrated headset but someone seems to have popped another type in.

Looking at the headtube - are there two bits of a headset pushed in either end and which have a curved race in which the ball bearings run?

Also check the crown race - it may be that it is the original designed for sealed bearings in which case that is the source of your problems.

 

[MrGrumpy]

having had mine in bits it looks very similar to the one in the link I posted.

 

[phil120867]

If you have caged balls then you have a semi-integrated headset. The 09 Langster should have come with a stock integrated headset but someone seems to have popped another type in.

Looking at the headtube - are there two bits of a headset pushed in either end and which have a curved race in which the ball bearings run?

Also check the crown race - it may be that it is the original designed for sealed bearings in which case that is the source of your problems.

Its all one headtube and there is nothing in there at all, have I been had? also I have about 8 crown races but I can't remember which one came with the frame

 

[phil120867]

having had mine in bits it looks very similar to the one in the link I posted.

thank you, i'll try to measure these gainst the dimentions of the headtube and it they seem reasonable I'll give them a try.

 

[accountantpete]

Its all one headtube and there is nothing in there at all, have I been had? also I have about 8 crown races but I can't remember which one came with the frame

Before buying anything - check the crown race on the forks. Can you remove this?

If not - check what type it is - does it have a concave race to accept ball bearings or a sloped race to accept a sealed bearing?

 

[phil120867]

Before buying anything - check the crown race on the forks. Can you remove this?
If not - check what type it is - does it have a concave race to accept ball bearings or a sloped race to accept a sealed bearing?

I've got both in my stash but most are a little bit big and rattle about a bit, I thought they were all 1.1/8?

the one I have on now is slightly concave and has a split so it fits nicely

 

[phil120867]

Thank you chaps, I've now completed the build. there were internal cups in the frame but I knocked them out with a BOS and the crane creek bearings fitted a treat, all done up and ready to go. Here it is (the brakes are in the post)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16712233@N08/7027164647/

honest!

Thanks again

Phil

 

[MrGrumpy]

brakes? and what gear you running their!

here is mine with new warranty frame

PS seat height has been adjusted down now

 

[accountantpete]

brakes? and what gear you running their!

here is mine with new warranty frame

PS seat height has been adjusted down now

You raised it a tad?

 

[accountantpete]

The bike looks great Phil - well worth all the trouble

 

[phil120867]

Ok then possibly just 1 brake! The chainset came out of a box I got from freegle about 18 months ago, it is a single Sugino 52 which I thought couldn't go to waste (esp. as it was free). So I had to match a rear sprocket so I went for an 18, it gives a gear ration of somewhere in the mid 70s (I think). this is not my first fixie and i usually run around quite nicely on a 46x15. If I ever make it down to Calshott again I can put a smaller rear on. may also go for bullbars and reverse levers after pay day!

yours looks shoot hot, what gearing are you running?