Reynolds 531 to build me a single speed ride

[Manonabike]

I'm the proud owner of a 531 frame for my single speed project!!!

I'd like to put a new headset..... is it better doing this before a paint job or makes no difference?

Thanks in advance

 

[fossyant]

After because you'll have to remove it for the paint job.

 

[Manonabike]

After because you'll have to remove it for the paint job.

I got a frame painted about a year ago and they did it with the head seat on..... it looks fine to me. This time I want to change the head set on this frame, hence the question.

 

[mickle]

It's not the done thing to paint a frame with the headset still in place.

Best practice is to have the frame and fork enameled/ powdercoated/ painted/ whatever and then face and ream the areas where the headset contacts them. There are specialist tools for this which any decent cycle shop will have on the wall. A proper frame finisher will usually do this as part of the job. I'm guessing you didn't take to a proper cycle frame finishers...

If you don't face the frame after painting the installation of the headset will likely chip the paint.

 

[Manonabike]

It's not the done thing to paint a frame with the headset still in place.

Best practice is to have the frame and fork enameled/ powdercoated/ painted/ whatever and then face and ream the areas where the headset contacts them. There are specialist tools for this which any decent cycle shop will have on the wall. A proper frame finisher will usually do this as part of the job. I'm guessing you didn't take to a proper cycle frame finishers...

If you don't face the frame after painting the installation of the headset will likely chip the paint.

Well is fair to say they weren't cycle specialist where I got the paint job done..... they masked all the areas where it was important not to paint so I had no problem with the headset nor with refitting the BB, seat post and steam.

But I take the point and I will get the headset installed after the paint job.