Chris King Headset Advice Required

seph_16
seph_16 Posts: 38
edited April 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi,

I'm currently fitting my 2007 Rock Shox Tora 318 with pop-lock onto a new frame I've bought which came with a Chris King headset. I removed the forks from my old frame, no problems at all, but now having difficulties in getting the rings on the steerer tube.

The bottom ring (stop laughing) seems to snag on the steerer tube as it's slid on, leaving about a 5mm gap between the ring and the crown (is that the right name?). I can best describe it as that the steerer tube seems to bulge out at the base. All the rings appear to be the same diameter as my previous headset. The only difference I can see is that the previous base ring has a bevelled edge to accomodate this bulge.

Can anyone offer any advice at all?

I don't want to force it on as I don't think it'll come off again!

I hope I have included enough information, however, please feel free to ask for more details!

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    it needs hammering on.(there is a tool for it).

    have a read of park tools.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    Nice one thanks
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    take care not to damage it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    I'll do my best not to. I've run into a second snag with my front derailleur, can I ask here or shall I start a new post?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    may as well continue here. I am in a god mood.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    God mood? Crikey, your advice must be good then. I have a SRAM X7 front derailleur and currently fitting it to my 2003 (I think) GT i-drive 1.0 frame. Unfortunately due to it's thickness, the clamp snags on the frame so it cannot shut inline where it should be. Is the only option to replace the derailleur with one with a thinner clamp?

    Current Derailleur:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13262

    Possible replacement:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=20684

    The first link doesn't show the clamp at all, however, the XT one does seem to be thinner.

    Thanks
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Now as the bike is a GT we need the Sonic.. but to help do you have a picture of the problem?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    I don't right now unfortunately, but I can post a couple tomorrow when I'm back from work. If it helps, the frame is the older eccentric bearing style with the braced cnc'd area at the point where the rear traingle attaches.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    i have to ask would a mech with a higher clamp help?

    what year frame?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Hmm... I am incredibky pis$ed, and am probably going going to be no use what so bloody ever here, but me old mucker nick is on the proverbial ball.

    Anyway, need to know the exact year Idrive. Ive ridden a few: hope I can help
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    Thanks for the replies so far. I'm not sure a mech with a higher clamp would help due to the very short stump of a post it has to clamp on to! Here are a few photos of the problem:

    http://seph16.pinkbike.com/album/GT-I-drive/

    Thanks,
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    ok so it is the bands split that is touching the frame?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    Yeah, roughly there abouts. It's right at the hinge, i'm guessing they thickened it up at that point for strength? It rubs on the crossed area causing it to be roughly 20 degrees off centre. From the plastic insert in the mech to the widest point is roughly 9mm if that helps?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Mm you need one that is the correct size and not one of the Oversize ones that use shims to fit the smaller tubes.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    I believe it's the correct size as the shim inside is only about 1mm thick (2mm total from either size of the circumference), which I assume is only to protect the frame?

    http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/media/techd ... 625631.pdf

    It doesn't give dimensions, but would the mech on the left of the above link be more suitable due to the thickness of the band?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    nope if it is the correct size there should be NO shim.

    find out what the tube size is get get a mech that fits only that size. the ones you have linked to are all max sized and use shims. Your frame i believe was made before the use of shims was common.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    It's 31mm, the best match with top swing, bottom pull at 31.8mm is the following:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=22774

    Although it's again a SRAM, I just want to make completely sure it's going to be right.

    Thanks for all your advice so far.
  • ian_worby
    ian_worby Posts: 331
    you can use shimano shimmed ones, provided its top swing as shown in the link 31.9-34.9 is the one you want
  • seph_16
    seph_16 Posts: 38
    Ok thanks, I'll probably buy both and see which one fits better.

    Thanks for the advice.

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