Building up a new Inbred frame for a mate. Got a new FSA pig headset and having loads of trouble getting the top cup into the frame.
We eventually managed to get the lower cup seated...it took ages and wasn't easy, but the top one just doesn't want to go in.
I've left the cup in the freezer today and am thinking I'll let the headtube sit in some hot water for a while before giving it a go tonight.
Someone please tell me that this will work a treat and it will go in buttery smooth?
have you tried a bigger hammer?
Perfect, it will go in smoother than butter!!!
Sorry is that just what you want to hear haha.
I've just put an FSA MX on my 456, and that was a little pain too.
How are you putting the headsets in, Tool wise?
The right tool is obviously best, as you need to pull the headset down square.
I got a length of rod M10 thread, a thick washer one end, and a thick washer the other, couple of M10 nuts, and clamped it all up. Oh and some grease on the faces of headset and headtube.
What make of headset press are you using? Sounds like there's something wrong with it.
Tried a hammer, a bigger hammer, a mallet and a headset press (homemade by a fellow STWer)
Greased the cups too. Headset press worked on the bottom cup...although the flat square washers are not so flat anymore.
have you actually measured both the cups and the frame?
If the cups are fine then I'd be tempted to get a bike shop to ream the head tube as it may be slightly undersize.
The amount of force you;re using may well split the headtube (especially if the cup expands when it warms up again)
[edit] I'm sure brant always used to recommend FSA PIG headsets for Inbreds where the reaming at the factory had been a bit over enthusiastic and left normal cups a bit loose so the issue may be the headset not the frame.
The amount of force you;re using may well split the headtube (especially if the cup expands when it warms up again)
Doesn't sound good!
I can tap it in, but just doesn't want to go in straight.
Try tapping the headset at 90 degree intervals to make sure its going in square. Its hard to get them straight in using a hammer as you've found.
Perhaps take it to the lbs armed with cakes and ask them nicely if they'll do it for you?
the lbs will certainly have the right tools for the job and the experience to know if there is a problem or not.
