Lets Talk Headsets

OldDogDan · **Posted:** Fri Mar 21, 2014 8:52 pm

McLovin wrote:

One thing I've noticed on a few buddies' bikes is that if the stem bolts aren't tight enough (clamping onto the steerer) then the headset will work it's way loose all the time. The star nut is really there to set the preload while you have the stem loose and then once the stem is tightened down it's really the stem that's keeping everything locked into place. The star nut isn't designed to do all of that work, otherwise it will start to work it's way out.

Matt, this is quite right and a key point, which made me think of something else. Is it possible your spacer stack is too short and your cap is bottoming on the steer tube when you tighten it? You need to fiddle with the spacer combinations until the stem and spacer stack are a little taller than the the top of the steerer tube, then set the preload, then tighten the stem. More than you ever wanted to know here:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/threadless-headset-service

325racer · **Posted:** Sun May 04, 2014 11:37 pm

I decided to splurge a little, ok maybe a little more than a little and ordered a few parts.

So a Mango Chris King is on the way! Should add a little bling, I'm sure Fred will be impressed! Just need to see about borrowing Pete's headset tool.

Also on the way is a new XTR chain (had some chain issues this weekend) and an XTR front derailluer. Was bidding on some XTR shifters, but they went for $20 less than new, so that didn't happen.

The XTR front Derailluer was $45 through Competitive Cyclist, which was nearly 50% off.

Red Hot Sloth · **Posted:** Mon May 05, 2014 8:03 pm

Sure, you may use my headset press on your new Tangerine headset.

325racer · **Posted:** Tue May 06, 2014 6:02 pm

PM sent to see about picking up today...

325racer · **Posted:** Tue May 06, 2014 7:17 pm

Thanks to Cambria Bikes for super fast shipment.

Here's the New and Old. Chris King Inset 3 vs Cane Creek 10.

Right off, there are some Major differences, more than I would have expected.

Chris King of course is the best of the best, but this Cane Creek is WAY CHEEPER than I would have thought. The following pieces are PLASTIC, Fork Tube Crown Race, Top Tube bearing cup (yes the whole cup is plastic), Top bearing tensioner piece, and if I'm not mistaken the original Top Cap was plastic, which cracked within a week and was replaced by metal back then.

Other issues, not sure it makes a huge difference, but the star nut was not seated as far down as it should be.

Here are some pics of parts. I'll do some Install pics once I get it installed.

325racer · **Posted:** Wed May 07, 2014 4:54 pm

Borrowed Pete's headset tool and had a productive lunch break. Got the CK installed and everything looks really good. While I was at it, I installed my new XTR Front Derailluer and chain.

Headset that should have been on this bike!

A little weight weenie action.

Old XT Front 153g

New XTR Front 146g

XTR Chain vs regular Shimano was a 3g difference. 261 vs 264

A_street · **Posted:** Wed May 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Pretty sure dwill had a post in past about being frustrated over a front derailleur.

avidtest · **Posted:** Wed May 07, 2014 7:39 pm

my new rule; if the weight weenie upgrade does not equal the weight of my weenie, I'm out.

A_street · **Posted:** Wed May 07, 2014 7:55 pm

avidtest wrote:

my new rule; if the weight weenie upgrade does not equal the weight of my weenie, I'm out.

So you staying for this thread Shannon?

325racer · **Posted:** Wed May 07, 2014 8:59 pm

I should know better than to say weenie in this forum.

With one short ride, the headset feels tighter and more responsive, and I think it subtly changed the geometry, making it a little slacker.

Maybe just a psychological thing, but I think it shifted better, both front and rear.

avidtest · **Posted:** Thu May 08, 2014 6:46 am

A_street wrote:

avidtest wrote:

my new rule; if the weight weenie upgrade does not equal the weight of my weenie, I'm out.

So you staying for this thread Shannon?

Yeah... I suppose I am.

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