Advice on setting crown race

[Louis]

The OP already mentioned this, but it bears repeating - if it's getting hard to do on your own, DO NOT placed the fork ends on the floor to provide support, then slam the race.

When it gets super-hard either 1) the race is canted and it needs to be removed, 2) the dimensions are off so you have too much interference, or 3) you need a second pair of hands to hold the fork legs while you whack the race using the appropriate tool. The shock-absorbing properties of your helper's arms will save you lots of potential damage to the fork. If you still can't get it to work with a helper then the issue is either (1) or (2) and you need to remove the race. (hopefully you also have the tool to do that)

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by vqdriver

hold up.
don't let the fork take the force.
i use a pvc pipe but i think the park tool works the same way. flip the entire setup upside down. then slam that puppy into your garage floor. your fork tips should be facing the ceiling while doing this.

fyi, i've set a few really tight races in the past and realized that a lot of my effort was being wasted trying not to damage the fork itself. upside down method works
and a little grease on the inside of the race always helps

Do this..

[macaroon]

Don't know if it's been mentioned, but the easiest way is to just cut a slot in the crown race, makes fitting much easier.

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by vqdriver

hold up.
don't let the fork take the force.
i use a pvc pipe but i think the park tool works the same way. flip the entire setup upside down. then slam that puppy into your garage floor. your fork tips should be facing the ceiling while doing this.

fyi, i've set a few really tight races in the past and realized that a lot of my effort was being wasted trying not to damage the fork itself. upside down method works
and a little grease on the inside of the race always helps

Did this, took two wacks on the floor, less than 15 seconds

Super easy, great trick. Going to remember this one.

Thanks