I need to fit a new headset and don’t have any specific tools for the job. What’s the easiest way to do it without spending a bunch of cash on a press and a crown race tool? I was thinking for the headset, a couple of planks and some tapping with a mallet but I’m a bit stuck on the race.

max, I have a headset press…

for the crown race I’ve always fitted them using a bit of plastic pipe from B&Q and just knocked them down with that.

Heat the crown race first in boiling water – it makes it go on easier

A piece of threaded rod from B&Q, two nuts and two large washers/plates… For the race as said just a bit of pipe slightly bigger than the steerer.

piece of wood and a big hammer

ideally the pipe is made of something weaker than the crown race so it gets damaged and not the race…

ideally the pipe is made of something weaker than the crown race so it gets damaged and not the race…

ie plastic plumbing pipe as suggested earlier.