Fitting Chris King threadless headset special tool required?

Slimtim

Hello

Before I splash out and buy a CK headset, can anyone tell me if I will need a special tool or adapter to fit it (aside from a headset press which I have already)?

Thank you

Tim

nicklouse

well the frame will need facing and reaming if you read the CK info.

rohloff-rich

If you use one of the cheaper Park headset presses with the flat surfaces you'll be ok as they'll push against the edges of the cup rather than the bearing, otherwise you will need adaptors to avoid pressing against the bearings.

Same as with Hope.

Slimtim

Thanks for the feedback, the frame is a Merlin Ti and has already had a headset fitted so the CK should go straight in.

rafletcher

No problem fitting any headset - CK or otherwise. The "special tool" would just be a headset press - Wiggle do the Cyclus range - and they come with various diameter press faces. About £40. I used a length of threaded rod, lots of wshers and a couple of nuts to achieve much the same effect - and that was on a CK headset too.

nicklouse

http://www.chrisking.com/tech/tech_headsets.html

PREPARATION:

Frame Preparation:
Head tube preparation is one of the most important and most often overlooked elements in headset setup and performance. Especially with high end frames, it is often assumed that if a frame is new or already has a headset installed that the frame must have been properly prepared at the factory. This is very often not the case. We recommend a careful inspection of the facing and reaming of the head tube before installation.

Ream and face the head tube as necessary to ensure that the head tube is faced square and bored to the proper dimensions (see chart below).

one_bad_mofo

I've fitted several King headsets using a plain old Cyclus press no problems.