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Morning all, got a (potentially daft) question pertaining to crown races.
I have a Kaffenback with a worn headset, so have ordered a replacement FSA one. Remving old cups/installing new ones should be straightforward, but are crown races generally universal? Would I need to remove the existing race to then fit the new one, or could I keep the old one on?
Thanks for any help.
They're not universal although there's only a few variations (it's to do with the angle of the bit that contacts the lower bearings). Easiest thing to do is to try the new bearing on the old crown race and make sure it's in good contact.
(this assumes that old headset and new are both cartridge bearing based)
If you're getting an FSA headset, it will very probably come with a split crown race, which are a doddle to fit (they don't need any kind of special tool). If that's the case, you may as well take the old one off with a screwdriver and a hammer and use the new one.
Thanks @wwaswas - that was kind of what I was thinking. Both headsets are cartridge bearings, one is a Holdsworth Gran Sport and the new one an FSA MX. Hopefully it can stay on, because I don't have a removal or installation tool knocking about.
I don’t have a removal or installation tool knocking about
removal: use a stanley knife blade and hammer the back of it gently to get it between race and fork crown, work your way round gradually, once the race has lifted a bit you can gently lever the blade to push the race up further. Doesn't damage the paint on the fork or scratch carbon like a screwdriver would.
refitting: as above, FSA likely to be split so push on with fingers, if not then a bit of plastic waste pipe or hoover extension pipe usually enough.
Thank chaps, I really appreciate the advice. Sounds pretty straightforward now 🙂
They're, er, split, i.e. they're not a full circle if that makes sense, so you can just press them into place with your hand because there's a bit of 'give'
Makes more sense when you see one to be honest 🙂
removal: use a stanley knife blade and hammer the back of it gently to get it between race and fork crown, work your way round gradually, once the race has lifted a bit you can gently lever the blade to push the race up further. Doesn’t damage the paint on the fork or scratch carbon like a screwdriver would.
Of course if there's a depression in the fork crown to allow the insertion of a screwdriver, nor does abusing a screwdriver to remove it. But this is a good tip if not.
what makes the split races easier to fit?
The split 😀 Seriously, means they can expand a bit rather than being a pure interference fit.
Thanks all. I guess I did kind of answer my own question a bit there 🙂
It's not the daftest headset question we've ever had mind...
Have you checked the new headset actually comes with a crown race?
Have you checked the new headset actually comes with a crown race?
Genuine question: have you ever bought one that hasn't?
In over 25 years of dicking about with bikes and working in bike shops, I can't recall a single time I've opened headset packaging and thought 'oh yeah, better buy a crown race as well, cos there ain't one in here ...'. But I'm guessing from your question there must be fringe cases?
But I’m guessing from your question there must be fringe cases?
I'm guessing you've not been around here as long as I have 😉
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/probably-a-stupid-headset-question/
Have you checked the new headset actually comes with a crown race?
Yep, it does. If it hadn't mentioned being supplied with one I'd have been in happy ignorance 🙂
Oh man I nearly asked the question about whether a headset comes with one myself the other week, but searched for it instead - boy was I glad I did 😂
I remember when it was all fields round here, and you could ask about crown races with a straight face...
Ah... 😮