Mystery of the Neco/Iplay headset with missing washers solved

[Ken4]

I ordered another Neco headset from Aliexpress showing clearly the 2 silver washers in the product photo. 5 days later I received the headset and to my horror, the washers were missing again! I wrote to the supplier with my complaint and they explained to me that only the old headsets came with the washers, the new headsets do not need the washers. I didn't believe them and argued with them. But to my amazement, after fitting the new headset to my IP-256SL, it was a perfect fit! The top cover no longer rubs against the frame. I ordered the headset from Vivian here:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Neco-Expander-Cap-Neco-Headset-1-1-8-to-1-1-2-1-5-Integrated-for/1698419284.html

[Carbon_Dude]

Good info, thanks for sharing.  However I wonder why others were having problems with their Neco headsets after they installed them.

[davidriddel]

Can you detail how to fit the headset?

I can not get the knurled expanding rings to engage, as the lower receiver just spins when I tighten it...

[MTB2223]

Got the same problem with my FSA headset (top cap).

This was what I did:
- Put the top cap half way in your fork.
- Tighten it a little bit and hold it on place by hand to prevent spinning
- Don't tighten to much, just a little bit.
- When it got enough resistance, press your top cap completely into you fork
- Now you're able to tighten your top cap.

I hope my explanation is clear enough ?

[davidriddel]

Thanks -- I'll give that a go...

BTW, the neco site says that the one in the image is for carbon forks.  Will it work also for aluminium forks? (ie, instead of a star nut?)

[outriding9800]

Yes it will work for aluminum steer tubes also.

Slightly off topic.. does anyone know of a really long plug?

thx

[MTB2223]

Found an instruction video (pay attention from 1:20 and especially at 1:41) :
 

[MTB2223]

Slightly off topic.. does anyone know of a really long plug?

Yes, google knows it: "carbon headset top expander long"
Found this one: http://www.pro-bikegear.com/en-gb/catalogue/accessories/103/headsets/prhs0081_main/gap-cap-expander-long

Long enough ?

[outriding9800]

Hmm..

I like that one.. never seen it before.

Just saw the one from KCNC and i am digging that one also..

[davidriddel]

OK MTB2223, I ducked home at lunchtime, trimmed another 15mm of the steerer tube, and played with the Neco headset top expander.  All works fine now.  Next--installing the gears & cable run, then brakes, and it's complete...