Headset replacement

figbat

I am slowly working my way over my 2007 Kona Caldera, fixing and replacing stuff. I just did the bottom bracket, replaced brake pads and replaced the fluid. Now the headset. It is notchy - it is rideable but I do notice it when stationary and occasionally on the move.

It is a 1 1/8" threadless type with external bearings, of which there are many replacement choices. However, in terms of replacing it, is this one I can do with bodging, or must I beg/borrow/steal the right tools?

I did the headset on an enduro motorcycle with a hammer and drifts (plus borrowed a hydraulic press at work to do the crown race). Same?

Any suggested headsets of good value for XC/trail use? The one in it is the OEM one and is marked Cane Creek TH Industries on the visible exterior.

cooldad

Bang out the old cups with a screwdriver or drifts, put the new ones in with a hammer and a bit of wood, or a home made press made from a bit of threaded rod, some big washers and a couple of nuts.

I'm a fan of Orbit XL II if any are still available.

cooldad

They do. Bargain.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FSA-Orbit-XL- ... 2431890139

kevinharley

cooldad wrote:

They do. Bargain.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FSA-Orbit-XL- ... 2431890139

Bargain indeed!

I'm about to build up a SS / rigid fork MTB around an old Inbred frame and need a headset ... will this do the job?

cooldad

Assuming it's 1 1/8th" and straight steerer, yes.

kevinharley

What Crown Race would I need for that headset? (Yes, 1 1/8th fork & straight steerer)

cooldad

The crown race comes with the headset.

kevinharley

:oops: :oops: ... I knew when I posted it was going to come across as a dumb question ... didn't know it would be that dumb!!

cooldad

Better to ask than not have one if you need one.

larkim

Don't worry, I've asked exactly that same dumb question myself. It's not obvious when you're buying a headset that you're getting "everything" I think.