[Closed] Headset without crown race?

must be "jammed" in the bottom of the headset, or dropped out without you noticing ?

*suppose they could make one with an integrated race but it'd be a bastard to fit the fork into the frame & would prob bugger the bearings I'd have thoughrt

I had a good look in the bottom of the headset and definitely is not there; what I can see is the bearing. What is strange, is that I have ridden the bike for months without noticing anything supposedly wrong.

Is the bearing on the steerer still? If so, the crown race will be under it and they'll have corroded together.

No the bearing is out. I'm really baffled. I think I'm going to buy a new headset.

I'm stumped.

I once (somewhat stupidly) went on a ride after fitting new forks. It was only when I got back and found a mess of scratched metal that I realised I'd never fitted the crown race. I'd wondered why the steering was so bad.

time for some photos ??

I'm at work at the mo 😉 but I will post again with some photos.

rolfharris - Member
I'm stumped.

I once (somewhat stupidly) went on a ride after fitting new forks. It was only when I got back and found a mess of scratched metal that I realised I'd never fitted the crown race. I'd wondered why the steering was so bad.

I've fitted the upper race upside down before :lukeb:

[url= http://mtb.fullspeedahead.com/downloadfly.aspx?download=downloads/2010+Headset+Technical+Catalogue+PDF+(Low+Version).zip ]FSA headset catalogue link[/url] Had a quick look & can't see one without separate race

Is the race within the bearing?

Looking at the FSA catalogue was the first thing I did.
No the race is not within the bearing. The headset consist of (from top to bottom: cup, seal, compression ring, top bearing and bottom bearing.

😯

well, suppose you need to check fork crown, base of headtube and base of bearing for damage, then refit the fork & see if the headset is smooth without

If it isn't, then we're back to "lost race"
If it is, I guess you [i][b]could[/b][/i] run it like that but might well bugger the bearing early (& maybe the fork/frame if it all collapses)

(can you identify the model from the catalogue & compare vs the exploded diagrams ?)

No I couldn't identify the model from the catalogue. I think is time for a new headset, probably a Hope, which apparentely are great.

FSA Orbit XLii - £20ish reliable and last ages. Why spend more?

FSA are great, IME

Ahem, just noticed 'Semi integrated' so the XL2 is no good but I's still stick with a cheaper FSA unless it's to make the bike look nice in which case, Hope's spot on 🙂

I agree that £62 for the Hope is a lot of money when you can get a decent headset for around £25. But as Clubber said it makes the bike look nice 😛

- you've hidden that race haven't you, just so you can buy a tarty Hope !

LOL 😆