What is this ring for under Caad8 lower headset bearing ?

DCI Gene Hunt

I put my Caad8 on my workstand and removed the front wheel and brakes. After removing the handlebars I slid the fork out and noticed that under the lower 1 1/8 bearing there was a very thin flexible black ring that I assume sat under the bearing and on top of the crown race. I was totally unaware of this washer (?) existence and I cant find any reference to it, would anybody have any idea what it is for ?

DCI Gene Hunt

http://www.cannondalespares.com/Cannondale-CAAD8--Synapse-Alloy--Road-SI-Headset--KB002/product_detail/3-40228


I think this page shows the item im asking about, if you look at the black ring in the bottom right hand corner beside the crown race in the middle, I think that's it, anybody know what it is for and you would think the site would mention it.

desweller

It's a seal, it's supposed to sit in a groove around the outside of the crown race.