1 inch shallow headset, how to measure?

[retro-rich]

Hi

For my Rando project, I need a new headset.

The bike had come with a black 105 headset, which I decided I didnt want so when stripping the frame for it's respray I slung the old headset without measuring it (doh!).

Since reading around the web it appears some older 105 headsets were quite shallow stack height, and possibly awkward to replace? I do have a second hand 105 somewhere but cant put my hands on it right now.

So firstly, how to measure stack height, is this right: I measured the headtube at 148mm and the steerer tube on the forks at 180mm (measured form the top of the tube down to where the tube meets the horizontal fork crown). So 180mm minus 148mm= 32mm

So if I understand right that means I need a headset with a stack height of 32mm or lower? and if the replacement is too shallow I can use spacers?

This one any good for the job? http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tange-passag ... -prod9225/

Second question, I got the headset out ok by tapping it out with a screwdriver being hit with a wrench (closest heavy item to hand ). How easy is it to refit? I have at least one more bike to replace a headset on this summer so wondering if worth investing in tools or just get LBS to do it.

Thanks for any advice

Rich

 

[originalshinkicker]

Hi

You've measured correctly for stack height - total length of steerer column less total height of head tube. So long as the headset has either the same or less (to be made up of spacers) then stack height is sorted.

One other point to note is that occasionally the crown race that comes with the new headset may of may not fit the fork crown of your existing forks. Worthwhile maybe checking. The new crown race needs to be drifted onto the crown and be a good press fit. If it simply slides straight on then you won't get the adjustment. That Tange headset looks like an early 105 copy. Tange headsets are good alternatives.

If you are careful, all you need to press cups in is a basic press

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEADSET-PRESS ... 775wt_1396

I've used this before - very cheap and just carefully press one cup at a time.

To fit the crown race, you need a piece of tubing that just fits over the steerer column to drift the race onto the crown - i've actually used one of these in the past when nothing else was to hand

http://www.wickes.co.uk/end-feed-equal-tee/invt/210418/

If you intend on changing headsets often then definitely invest. you can get excellent quality tools for both jobs above for £80. If you don't trust the LBS then try the cheap alternatives, you own't damage your headset of frame and it's great doing it yourself

 

[retro-rich]

Thanks for the advice

I've ordered one of those cheap presses, probably cost me less than the fuel going to b and q to get the bits

I've managed to find the second hand headset in the shed, it came from someone on these forums actually. It's all silver except for one black ring which I can live with so I'll give it a go the weekend and see how I get on.

Cheers

Rich

 

[retro-rich]

Got the headset press from eBay and had a go. The cups went in ok eventually, they were a bit wonky where they met the frame, but on each one I moved the rod so it was pulling on the edge that wasn't in all the way and they seemed to straighten up ok, was worried I'd do some damage but i guess it's all made of harder stuff.

Turns out the headset was wrong size anyway, measured the stack height of the headet wrong, think I'd forgot to measure the locknut as well, so will have to come off again and replace with new. Good practice I guess.