Fork damage?

freehub

I've just had a look at my fork and on the outside, there seems to be some layer that is flaking, should I bin this fork now?

I know it's silly, but I left the wheel on and taking the headset off, the steerer tube swung around and hit a concrete flag. I can't see any visible cracks.




Thanks
Will.

Ben6899

Looks like wear to the cosmetic over weave to me... but I'm no expert.

Monty Dog

Superficial damage only - unless you can see some full-thickness cracks propogating along the length of the steerer, you shouldn't have any worries. Apply some clear nail varnish or lacquer to the edges of the fibres to keep them in situ. If you've got any spacers fitted, you might have room to take the top 10mm or so off the steerer.

freehub

Ok that's good then. I'll put some nail varnish on.


Just a question about headset installation, it's using that campag hiddenset. Now right at the bottom of the fork, there is a piece that comes with the headset, that is firmly seated right at the bottom of the steerer, how on earth do I remove that, I was thinking screwdriver but I really don't want to do damage so ain't attempting anything. It seems fine leaving it on but it's rough and I'd rather like the new one on.

I don't need some more special tools do I?

I know I don't need a press like those other headsets where they are on the outside.

Thanks
Will.

Monty Dog

The part is called the crown race and can be tricky to remove from an integrated fork crown - in the old days and steel forks you could lever it off with a screwdriver, now you'd just take a chunk out of your forks. Your LBS should have a tool a bit like a ball-joint splitter or bearing-puller to get it off:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=38