No. The Allen-head bolt that holds the top cap down (and pre-loads the headset bearings) threads into a expanding nut inside the fork. That bolt comes with the headset.Originally Posted by urge2kill
I got a stem that came with a top cap, but there's no nut for the top cap. Shouldn't it come with the nut?
A traditional headset should come with,(from the bottom): - crown race - bottom (ball) bearing assembly - bottom cup - top cup - top (ball) bearing assembly - top cone/race Threaded ones might have a washer, then a locknut. Threadless ones will have a conical compression ring. To threaded ones you can then add brake hangers, light holders and possibly some spacers. To threadless ones you can add pretty much whatever you want and think you need between headset and stem. Do note that for integrated headsets, things may be different. Cup and bearing can be one unit.urge2kill said:Does the headset come with upper and lower crown races, and upper and lower bearing cups?
If the steerer tube is metal, yes, you need a star-fangled nut. If carbon, there are several types of internally expanding nuts. Setting the star nu requires a star nut setter. A badly set star nut will ensure that your bike will steer badly until you punch it through and install another. Don't try to do it without the tool. Your local shop shouldn't charge too much to do this for you.Originally Posted by urge2kill
So I have to buy one of those "star fangled nuts"? My steerer is hollow and empty throughout.
It's a carbon/aluminum fork with carbon blades and alloy steerer.Originally Posted by oldbobcat
If the steerer tube is metal, yes, you need a star-fangled nut. If carbon, there are several types of internally expanding nuts.
Integrated or not. Integrated just means that the bearings are hidden inside the frame. Fitting and installing a headset is more complicated than your line of questioning here. Well, it can be very straightforward, but you can fall into some pretty deep holes, including destroying the frame if you do it wrong.Originally Posted by urge2kill
It's a carbon/aluminum fork with carbon blades and alloy steerer.
I need a 1 1/8" integrated headset. Is that the only spec? What about ID and OD?
Don't know for CF ones, but for metal usually close enough to 1" for them to happily take an 1" quill stem/steerer tube extender/threaded-to-threadless adapter.oldbobcat said:I don't know the inside diameter of a 1-1/8" steerer.
So I've noticed. It appears that the top part of the top bearing is the bearing cone, and that serves as the compression cone, too. From bottom to top, the top bearing of a Chris King headset goes cup, balls, cone, the reverse of most loose-ball headsets.Originally Posted by alfeng
... CHRIS KING headsets do not have[COLOR=FF00AA]/[/COLOR]use a compression cone ...
I found cheap versions of the tools, but do I really have to face the headtube? My headset instructions tell me to, but I don't have that tool.Originally Posted by oldbobcat
Cutting the steerer (if necesssary), setting the star nut, setting the crown race, and pressing in the races (for non-integrated headsets) require specialized tools to do it right consistently.
It's impossible for me to answer that accurately without seeing the bike. Did the frame already have a headset, or is this a brand new build?Originally Posted by urge2kill
I found cheap versions of the tools, but do I really have to face the headtube? My headset instructions tell me to, but I don't have that tool.
Still true ... Particularly because the OP does not seem like a DIYer.oldbobcat said:[COLOR=FF00AA]Probably the best thing to do is take your frame to a local shop[/COLOR] ...
Yup. This has gone too long without knowing anything about the frame or the headset.Originally Posted by alfeng
Still true ...
- Particularly because the OP does not seem like a DIYer.
Brand new frame and forkOriginally Posted by oldbobcat
I feel like I'm playing 21 Questions. Aluminum frame? Did you buy it from Nashbar, by any chance?
Still doesn't tell me much.Originally Posted by urge2kill
Brand new frame and fork
Aluminum
integrated
1-1/8"
performancebike.com
The shop told me "we don't do that", but one guy glanced and commented that it already looked like "a nice machined surface".
How do I know the top/bottom side of a crown race or bearing race? They headset fits nicely how it was packaged, but the bearing races have to be reversed to fit the headtube. The crown race, of course, doesn't mesh with the fork either way.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.