So, I am putting new forks and stem on a Singlespeed project bike.

It has the bearings in the retainers/ cage. I can’t remember which way the cages go??

I think the open side (ball bearings) faces away from the pressed headset cups. So the bearings run on the crown race and top race thingy.

Is that correct?

Also, while I’m at it….. What sort of Nm pressure do I tighten the top cap? Finger tight? I know u r not supposed to over tighten.

Thanks.

Correct, and tight enough to remove all play.

Bottom ones are as you say. I have seen top ones both ways though often it’ll work either way anyway. The open side will be towards the ‘cone surface’. it should be pretty obvious if you’ve got it the wrong way as it won’t be smooth.

The top cap is just for preloading so while doing it all up it needs to be just tight enough to remove play. I’ve the stem us done up it only needs to be tight enough to stop it coming loose.

Thanks guys.