1" Colnago Force fork headset help needed

[jamesdak]

Trying to install a headset on the bike and this fork but the 26.4 race is too loose, like can be installed by hand with play.

Any idea's, worn steerer, wrong size, ...

[AngryScientist]

I don't recall the specific dimensions, but when I recently replaced the headset on my Serotta with a 1" steel fork, the headset came in box with two different crown races. One fit the fork perfectly, one was too small in ID, so I'm guessing there were/are two different common size IDs for crown races?

[jamesdak]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I don't recall the specific dimensions, but when I recently replaced the headset on my Serotta with a 1" steel fork, the headset came in box with two different crown races. One fit the fork perfectly, one was too small in ID, so I'm guessing there were/are two different common size IDs for crown races?

Yep, far as I know it's 27 and 26.4. Hence why I'm stumped. Part of the fun with used bikes.

[AngryScientist]

If you get to a point where you just want a solution, I have used bearing retaining compound on a loose crown race on an old MTB and it held well.

[tellyho]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

If you get to a point where you just want a solution, I have used bearing retaining compound on a loose crown race on an old MTB and it held well.

Yes, this is a feature! You can adjust your headtube angle when using the bearing compound. People pay money for headsets that do this

Report back on your solution for posterity.

[Look585]

Try a cartridge bearing headset and "split" the crown race. Tightening the HS will provide some clamping force to the crown race. Bearing mount compound would be a good addition as well.

If it works adequately, buy some spare cartridge bearings as they will likely have a shorter service life.

[zennmotion]

I dunno if you actually want to do this, but I've roughed up a fork crown that was cut a little too aggressively small using a hammer and a nail setting punch around the crown to make a tighter fit to the race. This was suggested by a frame builder when I had the same issue (they will remain nameless but they had/have the cred). I imagine the Colnago workshop had their occasional blips-- hey it came from Italy, embrace the passion, not the precision!

[C40_guy]

Never had that issue with any Colnago forks, including a couple of Force forks. I always use Chris King threadless; what are you installing?

[jamesdak]

^ Cane Creek, never had a problem with them in the past.

[GregL]

Have you measured the fork’s crown race seat and the inside of the headset crown race to determine their diameters? Those measurements will inform you as to whether it’s a fork issue or a headset issue.

Greg

[bmeryman]

For very slightly loose crown race JA Stein offers a crown race knurling tool. A couple of the older shops in town have them here and they work well!

[coelacant]

You can try staking the crown with a punch. Usually 4-6 spots equi spacing around should do it.

[jamesdak]

So, last year I met a guy who's over in town and had started up a business doing repairs on carbon fiber bikes. Learned his trade working on the aircraft on base. Met him when he came to buy a Klein bike from me.

I reached out to him via email with some pics asking if he thinks it's something he could safely repair. Looking closely it's seems like Colnago put like an extra wrap of CF where the race would fit. Mine has one area where it looks like about 1/4" section of that has worn away.

More to follow...

[jamesdak]

Some pics.....

I'm a steel guy normally so this C.F. stuff is new to me.

I found various pics of these forks online where it looks like there metal or something where he race goes. Others look like carbon only?

Is this maybe just totally missing something which would explain things I guess?

[bob_in_pa]

Originally Posted by coelacant

You can try staking the crown with a punch. Usually 4-6 spots equi spacing around should do it.

It's not a good idea to stake a crown that's going to be installed on a carbon seat.

-Bob