Installing cartridge headsets

englander · January 2014

So I'm installing this headset into my Ribble Sportive 7046 Curved and I'm wondering how much force to put the cartridge bearings in.

The bottom bearings have gone in flush with the bottom of the headtube but the top bearings have not gone flush with the top - but I can't push it in any further (I've just used hand force and some gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet, but I wanted to check here before applying any further pressure lest the bearings get damaged). Need more be done?

Please see the illustrative picture:

mitchgixer6 · January 2014

Usually an integrated headset just needs dropped into the frame. That looks like it should be okay as long as the cap that sits on top covers the bearing.

Garryboy · January 2014

Agreed. Just changed both bearings on my integrated headset. Bottom one was flush, top one sat a little proud, but was covered by the top cap.

nicklouse · January 2014

So how does it look when the rest of it is put together and the preload is added to the bearings?

The pics you show really show nothing.

englander · January 2014

Thanks for the input. Here's a pic of the headset without any preload (still working on getting the star nut in once I cut the steerer). There's a small gap - one that would disappear once the preload is added?

mitchgixer6 · February 2014

Yip, should be Ok once you tighten everything down.

englander · February 2014

Great,thanks!

smd13 · February 2014

Hi guys, sorry for hijacking the thread a little but it seems similar to what I was going to post...
I've taken the forks off my '05 cannondale and the headset is 1 1/8", as shown in the picture. Basically, does it need to be changed (still rotate fairly smoothly just dirty!) and if so does it need to be a campag one as shown or any such as say these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cane-creek-headset-bearing/

nicklouse · February 2014

Englander wrote:

Thanks for the input. Here's a pic of the headset without any preload (still working on getting the star nut in once I cut the steerer). There's a small gap - one that would disappear once the preload is added?

It looks tight. Did it come with some flat washers? If yes you might need to add one or two to avoid contact.

mitchgixer6 · February 2014

smd13 wrote:

Hi guys, sorry for hijacking the thread a little but it seems similar to what I was going to post...
I've taken the forks off my '05 cannondale and the headset is 1 1/8", as shown in the picture. Basically, does it need to be changed (still rotate fairly smoothly just dirty!) and if so does it need to be a campag one as shown or any such as say these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cane-creek-headset-bearing/

You'll need to check for your specific bike, but certainly my old cannondale was campag headset. Think the angle was 45 degrees so as long as you get 1 1/8th bearings with the same angle you'll be Ok.

smd13 · February 2014

thanks! Of course, now the issue is where to find the angle. Just had a look around the cannondale site but the manuals don't mention it

nicklouse · February 2014

Or just go onto Cane Creeks headset finder page and put in your bike and fork info.

mitchgixer6 · February 2014

It should be stamped on the old bearing somewhere if you can clean the dirt off.

Installing cartridge headsets

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