Re: fork crown race and headset cup installation without tool

 >>Sergio-<< As always, difficulty is a relative notion.
> > When things appear to be too tight, brute force is not the solution.
> > Use flint paper on the frame and make it fit.
> > As simple as that. >><BR><BR>

> On 28 Nov 2003, Qui si parla Campagnolo wrote:
> > This is bad advice. HS cups need to fit tightly, and the only way to ensure
> > they go in properly and straight, is to use the proper tool. Using cobbled
> > together HS press tools and finding it is tough to get them in, making the cup
> > smaller or the headtube bigger is NOT the answer...


Sergio SERVADIO wrote:
> Well, Peter, is the problem a semantic one?
> Or, pehaps, you did not read me carefully enough?
>
> By the way, if the fit is TOO tight, there is no press tool that would do
> the job in a safe manner. 
> It goes without saying that the fit should not be loose, either, but just
> right tight. 
>
> So, when is it too tight? 
> How can one tell?
> By trying to install it and feeling that it would require too much
> (brute) force. Then he backs up, files it down and tries again.
>
> I have installed enough headsets this way, and never fouled.
> On the other hand, I once trashed a Shimano crown that a mechanic too 
> forcefully forced into my Bianchi frame: cracked.


In a shop, the mechanic uses the two-sided Campagnolo gauges 
on the head tube bore and on the crown race seat first.  If 
the frame is machined properly, the cups and crown race are 
pressed home. If the gauge says no, then milling is 
required.  None of this should be subjective.

I'm with Peter.  Since a headset is only installed every 
twelve or fiteen years, no reason not to have it pressed at 
a competent shop.  The service is normally "while you wait" 
and only a couple of dollars.  That's good insurance because 
crooked/uneven headsets never adjust properly.

If you _want_ the shop to cut your fork to length, install 
the headset, remount bars/stam and make the bike rideable, 
be prepared for the product of the time/money equation. Note 
also that if you bring us a frame that's not square, we do 
charge you to mill it.

Pressing headset parts is quick and cheap when done 
correctly with the proper gauges and tools.  Even home 
engine builders send out valve grinding. Some jobs are best 
left to us IMHO.

To Segio's broken race story:  Yes, paying an incompetent 
shop would be the worst possible thing.  You would both 
spend the money _and_ have a screwed up headset!
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971