headset preload press tool

[Michael Tarr]

I have new-used BF Pocket Rocket with the "two collar" preload setup for the headset (which I guess is pretty common, but they just got rid of on new BF's). Needed to set the preload on the headset and I don't have the BF preload tool, nor 2 x 32" headset wrenches (which is a bit of a hack and might not work so well). Went to Home Depot and for $1.47 got a 12" threaded 3/16" rod. Dropped a twist bolt, stem top cap (to even distribute force), big washer, and about 2" of PVC pipe 1-1/2" on top and a big washer and little washer and nut on bottom. Presto, headset press. Pulled off the front wheel, the front brake, and had the preload set in about 5 minutes. Recommended to have around if you like to work on your bikes at all. But also, depending on where you live, your local bikeshop might be very willing to work on your BF, but might not have any such tool to set the preload. So worth having this around for when you need it....

[Michael Tarr]

oops. Here is the picture...

[Dirk Bolle]

After I had my local shop install a Chris King on my PakIt, I had to fashion something like that as well. I just used a copper tubing fitting. Easy peasey.

Sent from an IOS Device,  iMac, a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air,  Mac Pro, or occasionally (God forbid) a Windows PC. But never an Android device.

On Mon, Jan 16, 2023 at 8:55 PM Michael Tarr <michae...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have new-used BF Pocket Rocket with the "two collar" preload setup for the headset (which I guess is pretty common, but they just got rid of on new BF's). Needed to set the preload on the headset and I don't have the BF preload tool, nor 2 x 32" headset wrenches (which is a bit of a hack and might not work so well). Went to Home Depot and for $1.47 got a 12" threaded 3/16" rod. Dropped a twist bolt, stem top cap (to even distribute force), big washer, and about 2" of PVC pipe 1-1/2" on top and a big washer and little washer and nut on bottom. Presto, headset press. Pulled off the front wheel, the front brake, and had the preload set in about 5 minutes. Recommended to have around if you like to work on your bikes at all. But also, depending on where you live, your local bikeshop might be very willing to work on your BF, but might not have any such tool to set the preload. So worth having this around for when you need it....

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[Robert Myer]

Bike Friday used to sell this same press and would include it with new bike purchases if you asked. Came for 1" and 1 1/2" headsets.

Robb

         

On Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:57:08 PM EST, Michael Tarr <michae...@gmail.com> wrote:





oops. Here is the picture...

On Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:55:23 PM UTC-5 Michael Tarr wrote:
> I have new-used BF Pocket Rocket with the "two collar" preload setup for the headset (which I guess is pretty common, but they just got rid of on new BF's). Needed to set the preload on the headset and I don't have the BF preload tool, nor 2 x 32" headset wrenches (which is a bit of a hack and might not work so well). Went to Home Depot and for $1.47 got a 12" threaded 3/16" rod. Dropped a twist bolt, stem top cap (to even distribute force), big washer, and about 2" of PVC pipe 1-1/2" on top and a big washer and little washer and nut on bottom. Presto, headset press. Pulled off the front wheel, the front brake, and had the preload set in about 5 minutes. Recommended to have around if you like to work on your bikes at all. But also, depending on where you live, your local bikeshop might be very willing to work on your BF, but might not have any such tool to set the preload. So worth having this around for when you need it....

--
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.

[Josh Brown]

This is great and with the addition of a few additional twist bolts and washers you have something that can also cold set a frame. 

Josh in NYC 

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