Hi,
I've got a bit of scoring on the steerer of my forks around the interface with the upper bearing (using a Cane Creek S3 headset).

I'm not sure what is causing it. The bearings still feel smooth(ish), there is no obvious sharp pointy bits. It is mainly around the backside of the steerer.

Anyone got any genius ideas? Maybe I should just replace the bearings to be safe?

Cheers.

dunno – (some) people say king headsets can damage longish travel forks but I think they're a different "locking" system anyway

Have you got the bearings properly loaded up via the topcap, and you're sure all parts are on the right way round & correct order ?

hmmm pretty sure it's all put together correctly. The cartridge bearing has a bevelled edge, so clearly fits in facing towards the cup and then there is the metal compression ring.

The lower bearing is pretty goosed, could this lead to 'sloppiness' further up?