Headset installation (on an IP-256)

[MTB2223]

Installing a headset on an IP-256 is simple. Although, that's what I thought.

But don't I need cups or such a thing ? I think the answer is: No.

I've got this headset from Peter (with a shim).



The way to install is, is like in the way on the picture. And do I need to use carbon paste (between the bearing and the frame) ?
And do I need to use shim(s) between the bottom bearing and frame ?



Top:



Bottom:

[jonxmack]

You've got it spot on in the second picture. No carbon paste, grease if anything.

Thin spacer goes between the red compression wedge and the top cap, if it's needed, to stop the top cap from rubbing on the frame.

[Oolak]

How'd this turn out. Get it figured out?

[MTB2223]

How'd this turn out. Get it figured out?

I'm waiting on my fork, so, couldn't do it yet.

But the way is this, whereby the shim maybe not needed.

[MTB2223]

No carbon paste, grease if anything.

To be sure: grease like the grease you're using for ball bearing/BB ?
And do you use the grease between the frame and bearing ? Doesn't hurt the frame ?

[Jake]

I have the Neco headset for my IP-256 and it looks exactly like the FSA headset you have.

Only the expander looks different but I got myself a different one anyway.


The problem I encounter is this:

It is very tight to say the least and I will have to use a 40 mm ID pipe and a hammer to get the ring on the fork all the way.
And it will be very difficult to get it off.
And because I have two forks I should have gotten two of these rings...

[brmeyer135]

It is understood that the expander plug is for the carbon forks - a suspension fork you would be using the old starnut.  It is because of the steerer tube, the expander plug supports the carbon.

[Carbon_Dude]

It is understood that the expander plug is for the carbon forks - a suspension fork you would be using the old starnut.  It is because of the steerer tube, the expander plug supports the carbon.

From what I know, the expansion nut/expander bolt is just another option and works well with either carbon or aluminum steer tubes.  Both of my bikes have the expander and it works fine to preload the headset.

Jake, yes, the crown race is installed all the way down to the bottom of the steer tube.  You need a piece of PVC pipe to tap it down.

[Cnasta]

I have the Neco headset for my IP-256 and it looks exactly like the FSA headset you have.

Only the expander looks different but I got myself a different one anyway.


The problem I encounter is this:

It is very tight to say the least and I will have to use a 40 mm ID pipe and a hammer to get the ring on the fork all the way.
And it will be very difficult to get it off.
And because I have two forks I should have gotten two of these rings...

How did you fix that problem? I encounter the same

[turboenterprise]

Need to hit that down with some PVC pipe to get it straight. 

[Cnasta]

Need to hit that down with some PVC pipe to get it straight.

I'm an impatient fellow and have no PVC-pipe of the right size at home. Any other ideas?

[bdub]

I have seen people do it with a little chisel or metal punch. Just be careful you don't slip and hit your fork.

[Carbon_Dude]

I've tapped down the crown race with a hammer and block of wood.  Didn't take much effort on my part doing it that way.  The block of wood didn't leave any marks on the crown race.

[ecaos]

I've used the vacuum tube.

[bdub]

I feel like this should be simple but I can't seem to get the play out of the headset. When I tighten everything down I get a small amount of play at the top bearing. Any idea how to get that out? Seems like no matter how much I tighten it up, it still has a little wiggle.

Figured this out as I messed around with it more. If anybody has this issue make sure you have your steerer cut about 3 mm shorter than your spacers. Apparently I didn't have a big enough gap and it wouldn't tighten down completely.