I’m getting to the end of a very long and painful decreaking mission with my otherwise lovely Charge Plug.

It’s beginning to look like the source of the creak is the integrated (i.e. races machine directly into headtube) headset.

I’ve already tried greasing it, and I know it’s adjusted right, although someone suggested integrated headsets needed more preload than standard, so I’ll try that next.

I’ve also got some bearing locking compound to try if greasing and pre-loading doesn’t work.

However, some googling suggests the above are all stop-gaps and the ultimate solution is to get the headset races re-machined so the bearings sit flush.

Anyone had this done? I’ll start pestering the local shops once I’ve tried the other fixes, but I’m guessing this is a slightly obscure/obsolete? tool…

Neither obscure, nor obsolete, just very expensive:
– tool https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=55259
– dies https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/park_tool_756s_cutters_and_reamers_41_mm-45_degree_integrated_headsets_for_htr1-ID_55260

You will also end up with a slightly shorter headtube.

Ah, yes, I knew I could still buy it, was just hoping to avoid it by getting a shop to do it! The bike only cost me £300… 8)