Installing a 44mm headset

[cribbit]

For 99% of my repair needs I go to my local co op. However, the one here (Brooklyn) doesn't have the tools for an oversized headtube.

I tried hitting up some local bike shops but they're all either sales only or want $30+ to do an install.

Is there a good way to use the tools for a normal headtube to install this thing? NYC bike shops that will do it for a few beers? I just need to get the cups in & crown race on.

[muz]

I tried hitting up some local bike shops but they're all either sales only or want $30+ to do an install.

Is there a good way to use the tools for a normal headtube to install this thing? NYC bike shops that will do it for a few beers? I just need to get the cups in & crown race on.

$30 sounds reasonable for a professional install. If something goes wrong and they damage your fork, would you expect a few beers as compensation?

[FlashUNC]

Pay the money. They've got the tools and will do it properly.

[NYCfixie]

Pay the damn money. In NYC, $30 is a steal for a headset install.

I used them for years when they were still in lower Manhattan:
http://bikeworksnyc-www.bikecult.com/works/

Other good options:
https://redbeardbikes.com/
http://www.magliarosanyc.com/

[bitpuddle]

Is there a good way to use the tools for a normal headtube to install this thing? NYC bike shops that will do it for a few beers? I just need to get the cups in & crown race on.

Funny coincidence: just last month I payed my mortgage with beers.

[NYCfixie]

Funny coincidence: just last month I payed my mortgage with beers.

You can do that? I can't believe I have been doing it wrong all these years!

And the OP must drink really cheap beer because a couple of good beers in a NYC bodega is about $30.

[93KgBike]

Funny coincidence: just last month I payed my mortgage with beers.

I'd like to hear the whole story.

[cribbit]

$30 sounds reasonable for a professional install. If something goes wrong and they damage your fork, would you expect a few beers as compensation?

If a shop messes up my fork will they actually pay for the fork? Most places I've heard of will just not charge for the service they were doing and tell you to **** off on the part they broke.

Installing a headset takes all of 10 minutes tops. A good headset costs $30!

I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

[tuscanyswe]

If a shop messes up my fork will they actually pay for the fork? Most places I've heard of will just not charge for the service they were doing and tell you to **** off on the part they broke.

Installing a headset takes all of 10 minutes tops. A good headset costs $30!

I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

Ever get a coffee somewhere?

[FlashUNC]

If a shop messes up my fork will they actually pay for the fork? Most places I've heard of will just not charge for the service they were doing and tell you to **** off on the part they broke.

Installing a headset takes all of 10 minutes tops. A good headset costs $30!

I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

Time to name and shame shops that break forks during service and then tell you that you're SOL.

For realz, pay for the service at a shop that'll treat you right.

[NYCfixie]

...I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

Sounds like you already made your decision but I am not sure how that will cost less than $30.

[zzy]

Sounds like OP has been going to some REALLY crappy shops. Any shop worth a damn in the city stands behind its work, doesn't muck up the job, and doesn't take payment in alcohol. Trying to get cheap labor yields bad results.

[joosttx]

you definitely could modify a headset press with washers etc to make it work. But then you risk improper install. I would either shell out the $30 or buy a press for the coop.

[charliedid]

If a shop messes up my fork will they actually pay for the fork? Most places I've heard of will just not charge for the service they were doing and tell you to **** off on the part they broke.

Installing a headset takes all of 10 minutes tops. A good headset costs $30!

I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

Seems you have it all figured out.

[John H.]

You're talking crazy stuff.
Most shops will pay for anything they damage-
$30 is a deal-
Headset press is fairly expensive and rarely used.
Slide hammer for O/S crown race is also fairly expensive (for King Races).
King adaptor tools for 11/4 and 11/2 are also expensive.

If a shop messes up my fork will they actually pay for the fork? Most places I've heard of will just not charge for the service they were doing and tell you to **** off on the part they broke.

Installing a headset takes all of 10 minutes tops. A good headset costs $30!

I would sooner buy the toolset and donate it to the co op than pay idiotic prices like that.

[thegunner]

Sounds like OP has been going to some REALLY crappy shops. Any shop worth a damn in the city stands behind its work, doesn't muck up the job, and doesn't take payment in alcohol. Trying to get cheap labor yields bad results.

i'm so confused by this whole thread.

- $30 seems reasonable for NYC pricing
- i can't think of any shop that would tell you you're SOL if they break your fork
- what kind of good headset are you buying for $30?

[JWDR]

Although meant for bottom brackets, I have not found a normal size headtube that the Wheels MFG universal bottom bracket tool won’t work on.
https://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/universal-bottom-bracket-press.html
Pressing in a bearing/cup is not rocket surgery.

I use a heavy duty piece of pvc pipe as slide hammer for the race or even better only use split races that slide right on.

[cribbit]

i'm so confused by this whole thread.

- $30 seems reasonable for NYC pricing
- i can't think of any shop that would tell you you're SOL if they break your fork
- what kind of good headset are you buying for $30?


You're talking crazy stuff.
Most shops will pay for anything they damage-
$30 is a deal-
Headset press is fairly expensive and rarely used.
Slide hammer for O/S crown race is also fairly expensive (for King Races).
King adaptor tools for 11/4 and 11/2 are also expensive.

Google "bike shop broke my bike" and look at the ridiculous number of threads on shops dodging people after ruining a part.

I'm not saying it's common (those threads are spread across the millions of interactions people have with shops) but I am saying that it happens. Honestly I think it's rare enough that it's not even a factor in my decision here. It's just pricing.

A headset press is $50-100 for a good one.

Why would you assume a King? Not everyone goes for ridiculous bling.

Most Cane Creek and FSA headsets are in the $30-50 range brand new.

I dunno, I guess this shouldn't surprise me since I've seen how few people here seem to work on their own bikes.

When the responses assume a $150 headset, $30 being a steal, etc it's pretty clear that it's just a difference in disposable income. When you wonder why cities aren't building more bike infrastructure, why less people are riding, etc, maybe consider that you're pricing out 98% of the country.

Although meant for bottom brackets, I have not found a normal size headtube that the Wheels MFG universal bottom bracket tool won’t work on.
https://wheelsmfg.com/presses-tools/universal-bottom-bracket-press.html
Pressing in a bearing/cup is not rocket surgery.

I use a heavy duty piece of pvc pipe as slide hammer for the race or even better only use split races that slide right on.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what sort of bb tools we have.

[CiclistiCliff]

This thread brings joy to my life.

Next thread by OP: Damaged crown race during install, can it be fixed?

Or

Headset binds, don’t know why.

[martl]

For 99% of my repair needs I go to my local co op. However, the one here (Brooklyn) doesn't have the tools for an oversized headtube.

I tried hitting up some local bike shops but they're all either sales only or want $30+ to do an install.

Is there a good way to use the tools for a normal headtube to install this thing? NYC bike shops that will do it for a few beers? I just need to get the cups in & crown race on.

Installing a headset usually takes a vice big enough, a piece of metal tube that fits over the fork shaft, and a hammer. Making sure the cups are not coming in at an angle of 30° or more is about the only thing to pay attention to, but that is true for a proper headset tool as well, as i know none that does the aligning to the steering tube for you. (one even could improvise one with a threaded rod, two bolts, and two pieces of wood with a hole in them).
Unless one has ten thumbs installed the wrong way around, i see no easy way to damage stuff (or am i missing something here?)

[m_sasso]

Installing a headset usually takes a vice big enough, a piece of metal tube that fits over the fork shaft, and a hammer. Making sure the cups are not coming in at an angle of 30° or more is about the only thing to pay attention to, but that is true for a proper headset tool as well, as i know none that does the aligning to the steering tube for you. (one even could improvise one with a threaded rod, two bolts, and two pieces of wood with a hole in them).
Unless one has ten thumbs installed the wrong way around, i see no easy way to damage stuff (or am i missing something here?)

Forget the vice, put the metal tube/race driver on the ground, align the crown race, invert the fork into the metal tube and tap the lower crown race on, pie!

[martl]

Forget the vice, put the metal tube/race driver on the ground, align the crown race, invert the fork into the metal tube and tap the lower crown race on, pie!

i use the vice for the two cups that go in the steering tube of the frame.

One thing i forgot: If its a new frame and has paint traces at the flat surfaces the cups are supposed to go on, then its time to seek professional help with a face-milling cutter. In building/restoring 50+ bikes so far, i never needed one.

[oldpotatoe]

You're talking crazy stuff.
Most shops will pay for anything they damage-
$30 is a deal-
Headset press is fairly expensive and rarely used.
Slide hammer for O/S crown race is also fairly expensive (for King Races).
King adaptor tools for 11/4 and 11/2 are also expensive.
It's just pricing.
it's pretty clear that it's just a difference in disposable income

??? indeed.."hey nose, I'm gonna cut you off to spite my face"...

You think $30 is too much(disposable income an issue, 'it's just pricing') but you want to spend more than that $30 to 'show those crappy bike shops'....I donno, confused..get the thing installed, go ride yer bike.

And for right below..that CO-OP is gonna love him when he 'donates' $700 worth of tools to them..:eek:

[quickfeet]

I just got my king 44mm headset installed, here is list of tools used.

Park crp-2 crown race puller $265

Park crs-15.2 oversized crown race setter $95

Park hhp-2 headset press $174

Park rt-1 Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Park rt-2 oversized Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Chris King 1.125 adaptor $48

Chris King 1.5 adaptor $48

My head math says that’s $702 in total tools. This doesn’t even touch the overhead of the rent, utilities, and labor. You’re right, definitely not worth a $30 fee to install.

[alancw3]

$30 is an absolute bargain imho! in beer terms that is like a case of sam adams!

[AngryScientist]

couple of things:

1) it is absolutely possible to install a headset at home with stuff you can buy at the hardware store. if you have access to a base headset press already, all the better - the drifts can be fabricated with a little know-how.

2) NYC is one of the most expensive real estate locations in the country. it is unreasonable to think a NYC bike shop that has to pay rent on shop space and pay mechanics a livable wage is gouging anyone over a $30 installation charge. The assertion that a bike shop should do it for "a few beers" is crazy if you think about it for a moment. How on earth can a business be expected to survive if, instead of charging customers a fair price to do a professional task - they give away services.

3) I do all of my own work on bikes and cars, and motorcycles. If there is a tool i need to do something, i buy it or make it. part of the reason i am happy to continue to ride older proven technology bikes is the ease of working on them for me the home mechanic. Same with cars - when i buy a car, one very real consideration is how easy is it for me to work on the car.

[FlashUNC]

When the responses assume a $150 headset, $30 being a steal, etc it's pretty clear that it's just a difference in disposable income. When you wonder why cities aren't building more bike infrastructure, why less people are riding, etc, maybe consider that you're pricing out 98% of the country.



Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what sort of bb tools we have.

But paying a bike mechanic in beer is helping keep the lights on in the industry?

Get outta here with that silliness.

[thegunner]

I dunno, I guess this shouldn't surprise me since I've seen how few people here seem to work on their own bikes.

When the responses assume a $150 headset, $30 being a steal, etc it's pretty clear that it's just a difference in disposable income. When you wonder why cities aren't building more bike infrastructure, why less people are riding, etc, maybe consider that you're pricing out 98% of the country.

i'll do everything on my bike with a few exceptions, HS and BB press are likely the only ones i won't (or chasing threads, i've gummed that up before).

truth of the matter is, NYC real-estate is hella expensive. half of the nice bike shops just end up closing unless they charge realistic pricing - pricing that i'm sure some people consider extortion. i bet if you went to piermont or just across the river, the pricing might be a few bucks cheaper, but at that point, is it really worth saving the $10 and the extra time wasted? this isn't really a matter of disposable income (maybe it is, but not in my opinion), this is a risk-reward calculation to me: risk that i damage my fork and/or waste time vs. cost.

the bike infrastructure thing isn't really applicable here either, i doubt most commuters are having new HSs pressed in all the time, most of the time they're just popping in to replace a tube or something.

[glepore]

I've built 20+ bikes over the last 30 years, and never had a shop install a headset or race. Have a 1/2 threaded rod, two nuts and large washers. Yes, its not necessarily self aligning, but just be careful at the start and you'll be fine. Crown race setting=pvc pipe.

[martl]

I just got my king 44mm headset installed, here is list of tools used.

Park crp-2 crown race puller $265

Park crs-15.2 oversized crown race setter $95

Park hhp-2 headset press $174

Park rt-1 Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Park rt-2 oversized Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Chris King 1.125 adaptor $48

Chris King 1.5 adaptor $48

My head math says that’s $702 in total tools. This doesn’t even touch the overhead of the rent, utilities, and labor. You’re right, definitely not worth a $30 fee to install.

I got a hook in my workshop wall last week to use as a coat hanger.

Tools used:

Makita 4500 C power drill: 1200€
Makita SDS MAX drill set: 60€
gold-plated screwdriver (Cartier) 5600 €


...mind you, an old hammer and a rusty nail might also have worked...

[sfo1]

reminds me of.....

https://i.imgflip.com/xx4qi.jpg

Man bun & ponytail.

[cribbit]

I just got my king 44mm headset installed, here is list of tools used.

Park crp-2 crown race puller $265

Park crs-15.2 oversized crown race setter $95

Park hhp-2 headset press $174

Park rt-1 Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Park rt-2 oversized Cup remover (to pull the old headset) $36

Chris King 1.125 adaptor $48

Chris King 1.5 adaptor $48

My head math says that’s $702 in total tools. This doesn’t even touch the overhead of the rent, utilities, and labor. You’re right, definitely not worth a $30 fee to install.

One, the co op already has all the other tools. Two, I only need to install a new headset, not remove an old one.

There are also plenty of $50-70 options from brands like wheelsmfg.

But paying a bike mechanic in beer is helping keep the lights on in the industry?

Get outta here with that silliness.

Paying a bike mechanic a reasonable amount for a service will. For this I'd say $10 is cheap, $15 is reasonable and $20 is expensive. $30 is make a whining thread.

The "a few beers" statement wasn't meant to piss off so many people. It's meant to show how when you overcharge for a service, you end up losing customers entirely rather than at least getting some customers. Would a shop rather do 50 $20 installs or 15 $30 ones? Not to mention that business wise, stuff like this should be what gets people in the door who otherwise might not have come in.



You think $30 is too much(disposable income an issue, 'it's just pricing') but you want to spend more than that $30 to 'show those crappy bike shops'....I donno, confused..get the thing installed, go ride yer bike.

If I find just 1 other person who doesn't want to pay the $30 install, we have $60 of "**** you" money. That's enough to buy the tool. It's not a $700 tool.


Damaged crown race during install, can it be fixed?

Or

Headset binds, don’t know why.

I've installed 50+ headsets without issue, I think I'll be fine. It's also not that hard.

There's nothing wrong with not wanting to do any of your own repairs but don't pretend like it's impossible for people to do their own repairs.

[FlashUNC]

The "a few beers" statement wasn't meant to piss off so many people. It's meant to show how when you overcharge for a service, you end up losing customers entirely rather than at least getting some customers. Would a shop rather do 50 $20 installs or 15 $30 ones? Not to mention that business wise, stuff like this should be what gets people in the door who otherwise might not have come in.





If that was the intent then you badly missed the mark. It devalues the skill and labor of those who do this professionally and need to charge what they charge to keep the lights on, pay bills and hopefully make a profit at the end of the day.

Just buy the tool and install it yourself if giving a shop a couple bucks.

[chiasticon]

There's nothing wrong with not wanting to do any of your own repairs but don't pretend like it's impossible for people to do their own repairs.it's absolutely not impossible to do your own repairs. I've pulled and installed many headsets on my own, with my tools. I bought the tools specifically because I know I'll use them often enough that they'll pay for themselves; and this is simply because, as you're seeing, such repairs can be pricey. a one shot install, thinking you may go another 5-10 years without doing it again? not worth buying the tools. $30 is totally fair in NYC. I'll bet the same shop charges $15 for a new tube and install. and you know how easy that is, and that it requires no tools.

[sfo1]

Can OP put context to this build? What is frame/kit build?

$30 in grand scheme of things on a $200 build vs. $1k & up build is two different equations.

[zzy]

I'll bet the same shop charges $15 for a new tube and install.

Most NYC shops actually charge a fair bit more now...

[joosttx]

This is the best thread ever.

[cribbit]

Most NYC shops actually charge a fair bit more now...

Yeah I'd actually say $15 including install etc is a good price, most shops charge $8-10 just for the tube itself.

It's about the same time and labor (and dirtier) to do a tube swap as a headset install. Depends if it's a ****ty steel bead.

[charliedid]

One, the co op already has all the other tools. Two, I only need to install a new headset, not remove an old one.

There are also plenty of $50-70 options from brands like wheelsmfg.



Paying a bike mechanic a reasonable amount for a service will. For this I'd say $10 is cheap, $15 is reasonable and $20 is expensive. $30 is make a whining thread.

The "a few beers" statement wasn't meant to piss off so many people. It's meant to show how when you overcharge for a service, you end up losing customers entirely rather than at least getting some customers. Would a shop rather do 50 $20 installs or 15 $30 ones? Not to mention that business wise, stuff like this should be what gets people in the door who otherwise might not have come in.



If I find just 1 other person who doesn't want to pay the $30 install, we have $60 of "**** you" money. That's enough to buy the tool. It's not a $700 tool.



I've installed 50+ headsets without issue, I think I'll be fine. It's also not that hard.

There's nothing wrong with not wanting to do any of your own repairs but don't pretend like it's impossible for people to do their own repairs.

You keep bringing up beer, so I can only assume you are drunk.

[quickfeet]

I've installed 50+ headsets without issue, I think I'll be fine. It's also not that hard.

There's nothing wrong with not wanting to do any of your own repairs but don't pretend like it's impossible for people to do their own repairs.



Then go do it, I don’t understand what you are complaining about. You clearly don’t value what the bike shops time, tools, and overhead cost the same way they have to in order to stay open. $30 is normal and reasonable in any part of the country not just NY.

[joosttx]

I pay $30 for a haircut with tip .A haircut takes longer than a headset install. Cribit has an excellent point

[quickfeet]

I pay $30 for a haircut with tip .A haircut takes longer than a BB install. Cribit has an excellent point

You paid too much, I cut my hair with a knife from my kitchen.

[charliedid]

I pay $30 for a haircut with tip .A haircut takes longer than a BB install. Cribit has an excellent point

You and Cribit been down by the creek drinkin...

[cribbit]

You keep bringing up beer, so I can only assume you are drunk.

immm no drruynk

[joosttx]

....

[charliedid]

The question really is do I pay to have Headset installed and skip a haircut or install a headset myself and get a haircut. I know Im missing two other options but this is an important decision. Especially during the holiday season when you are trying to look your best.

Ask your mechanic for a haircut!

[JWDR]

The crudest way I have ever installed a headset was by hammering it in with a chunk of 2x4.

Amazingly enough, the bike did not burst into flame.

[cribbit]

Ask your mechanic for a haircut!

Yeah but he won't take alcohol as payment so what am I going to do, pay real money?

(for what it's worth I pay $30-40 for a haircut, but it takes almost an hour)

[chiasticon]

Yeah but he won't take alcohol as payment so what am I going to do, pay real money?

(for what it's worth I pay $30-40 for a haircut, but it takes almost an hour)the solution is obvious: get a haircut, pay your mechanic in hair.

https://frinkiac.com/video/S12E04/HWuci_gPlz8TBfymg6Baw2SfLrg=.gif