So need to fit my new headset I was a bit stuck as to how to remove the crown race. The Rockshox I had originally had a hadn't dimple to get a flat bladed screwdriver under but my Fox don't.
Not wish to spend a fortune on a specialist tool and failing to get even a narrow bladed flat screwdriver in without risking damage to (the finish at least) of the fork crown I spotted in my toolbox a nice wood chisel.
Perfect, flat bottomed with a nice wedge shape going to a very fine edge - a gentle (and I mean gentle - don't want to risk damage to the fork) tap with a rubber mallet a couple of times and off she comes.
Completely f***ed the edge on the chisel but hey, I'got a whetstone and know how to hone...
Usual caveats, try this yourself and you may damage the fork crown / steerer, you may die, cause the world to end or the internet to stop working.
Worked a treat for me though...
Any one else got a tool bodge they wish to share?
Cheers
Danny B
I always use a stanley knife blade (out of the knife) to free crown races.
I always use a stanley knife blade (out of the knife) to free crown races
Me too
I did think of that but didn't have one to hand. Must invest in a pack - cheaper than buggering up a £20 chisel...
Cheers
Danny B
Old Stanley blades work great - if it's a tight one, you can keep adding more to the stack and slowly push off the crown race.
+1 for the stanley knife blade. Only needs to be used gently to give just enough clearance gap
I've got an old butter knife that I use to start tricky ones off- you'd think it'd work less well as it lacks a sharp edge but it's never failed me.
Wish I knew about the stanley blade thing before I bought the proper tool
if the new race is a sealed bearing job, make a cut using a dremel = instant split crown race for easy removal next time
Old knife and a hammer are the old favourites of many bike shops I've worked in.
Not wish to spend a fortune on a specialist tool
I think £18 for a tool is worth to avoid the possibility of bodging it.
I use Hope headsets, they last for years and when you do need to remove the crown race it comes off with fingers as its split. Simples 😉
What TurnerGuy said. I've fudged it for years with old chisels and what-have-you but last Christmas brought me a proper tool and what a pleasure it is to use.
I now always cut the crown race with a hacksaw before installing, so it comes off nice and easy.
Assuming your using cartridge bearings then it isn't actually a "race" as such, just a cone to centralise the bearing so the cut doesn't affect the bearings. Once its all done up tight, the bearing holds it in place.