Ive tried removing and refitting bearings and compression ring but all seems ok, i didnt expect there to be a gap between the seal and the headset. is that ok or do i need to try something else?

Mine is exactly the same after I removed mine

I’m thinking it’s cos we haven’t use the correct tool?

seal looks upsidedown

not a tapered stearer is it?

i thought that about the seal but it seems to slot in that way up. everything seems tight but there is ever so such light resistance in the steering. its probably nothing but as its all so much lighter i can feel everything.

no tools have been used in putting this together other the the star nut tool and a pipe cutter.

yes tapered steerer, on a giant trance x

the seal is upside down, making a nice little gutter for crud and water to sit in.

thumbs up to ton. yep was up side down, it just fitted in with zero effort that way up. think new bearings are going to be ordered now as these ones aren’t as smooth as i want.

seal definitely the wrong way up.

Why do you want the bearings smooth?
Its just a headset, only moves a little bit in use.

Remove seals from bearings, degrease, fill with new grease, refit seals and ride……