Oh Noes, Ovalized Head Tube

[acorn_user]

The lower part of the head tube of my Raleigh cross frame is ovalized, and it's causing the headset to squirm around some and pulse under braking. Is this dangerous?

What are my options? The frame was TIG'd Reynolds 853 out of the Raleigh Special Products workshop. It has a 1" headtube. It's probably the only one in the US (I brought it with me from the UK). I do like the frame a lot, even if it is a little small. If it comes down to getting a new head tube, who would you recommend?

Thanks!

p.s. this is part of a longer saga that has resulted in debilitating mechanicals to all of my bikes. My road frame still has a seat post stuck in it and my hybrid needs a full rebuild. Now the cross frame is busted too :(

[Marcusaurelius]

I had a top and head tube replaced on a frame. It was about $200 (the frame was made of 853). I had heard of someone permanently installing some chris king headset cups in a frame but I'm not sure what was used.

[Peter P.]

Try using a Loctite product to reinstall the cup into the headtube. Go to this link, choose product category RETAINING, then select the type of fit you require. Many bike shops use Loctite products to cure ills such as yours.

Loctite Products (http://www.useloctite.com/products/index.asp)

[jamiec]

Chris King SteelSet (http://chrisking.com/headsets/hds_steelset)

They first made that headset for exactly your problem.

[acorn_user]

Regrettably "available only in 1-1/8""
:(

Looks like I'm going to pack them frame with me and take it to blighty and have it fixed by some of the old Raleigh guys. It will mean losing the paint job though. :weeps:

[gdw]

Use a thin film of JB Weld as a bondo type filler and install your headset. It will stop the lower race from moving and usually lasts a couple of years before it needs to be re-done.