Replace headset on Clem? Cabin fever?

[David B]

Maybe I'm just getting into bike projects that aren't necessary whatsoever, but I'm interested in swapping up a couple things on my bikes.

I've never replaced a headset before, but I'm contemplating upgrading the rinko-style cups that my Clem and wife's Clementine came with for something swankier.

Questions:

Is this crazy? The current headsets function fine, purely cosmetic.

Is this worth it to me to buy the proper tools? I likely won't have a need to change headset aside from these two bikes. Some sort of diy tools?

Or should I just let my LBS take care of this?

The main reason I'm thinking about this is I added a Silver2 shifter/mount as a headset spacer (works great) and the wider headset cup looks out of place now that everything's a bit cluttered.

Photo here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-99voyFx5D/

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions welcome!

David

[Ed Carolipio]

> Is this crazy? The current headsets function fine, purely cosmetic.

Nope. Part of being an enthusiast is sweating the details.

> Is this worth it to me to buy the proper tools?

I used this DIY guide when I was starting out (and added the term "bodge" to my shadetree mechanic lexicon.) If anything, getting a simple headset press which just does 1" and 1 1/8" headsets might be worth it. I had terrible luck with the DIY one: it's tough to keep those headset cups straight as they go into the headtube. I got the one from Jenson.

> Or should I just let my LBS take care of this?

Doing it yourself is an adventure and a learning experience; going to your LBS is more convenient and less out-of-pocket cost, they likely could use your business now, and you avoid the risk of damaging your headset cups.

Good luck,

Ed C.

[Joe Bernard]

Do I think you can do it? Sure, I'll even send you my headset tool (including adapters for CK if you buy their fancy headset), just pay shipping and ship it back someday. I never got around to using it and may never bother.

Do I think the current headset is fine and you're crazy? Yes! But it might be a fun project anyway 😁

Joe "still crazy after all these years" Bernard
Marin County CA.

[Collin A]

Tool wise you could try this. https://www.bearingprotools.com/products/headset-cup-press

It is relatively inexpensive compared to others. They have a USA portal site, but it looks like the USA site isn't taking orders right now. In another time i'd just say bring it to your LBS, simply because how many times will you end up replacing the whole headset and not just switch out the bearings? But I am considering buying a whole new bike as a cabin-fever project so you can ignore that advice!

The silver shifter as a headset spacer is super smart! I may steal that idea so I don't have to buy that IRD shifter mount adapter...

Cheers,

Collin

[Robert Tilley]

I bought a headset press a while back and have used it twice. I went cheap and bought the Nashbar model which I think I got for $60. I made my own crown race setter using some PVC from Home Depot. That cost only a few dollars.

I put it off but a recent project involved installing a 1 1/8" Chris King headset so I bit the bullet and ordered their adapters which were $50. 

I think it was worth the money to pick these tools up since it means I can take care of these installs myself. Now if I ever need to remove them I'll need some more tools...

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

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[Coal Bee Rye Anne]

I've also considered Clem headset replacement!  Mostly to move the rinko style cups onto another project frame which may have more rinko-like adaptability and use a new spare Tange headset on the Clem.  Unfortunately, this is unlikely to occur anytime soon with my general lack of spare time... even during quarantine I'm finding I have little extra time for projects.  It's weird how this has impacted so many people so differently.  I'm extremely fortunate to still be working but work is keeping me busier than ever without even leaving home and it's been a struggle to maintain work/life balance lately.  I need some cabin fever projects but can't seem to get to them.  This reply itself is a much needed distraction from both work and home.

I've only done a few DIY headset installs and found the threaded rod/nuts/washers press has served me well as long as I go slowly and press one cup at a time... but I eventually added the following tools to my bike toolbox:

Headset cup remover! - after multiple frustrating attempts at DIY cup removals (brass rod, flathead screw driver, etc.) I finally ordered one of these and it's entirely worth it... takes a single whack or two with a mallet per cup and keeps your cups intact - good trick I learned (Sheldon, maybe?) is to use a rag and rubber band around the headtube to catch your cups so they don't fall onto the hard floor and risk damage.

Crown race setter - I went with the Park Tool version which has a few inserts for 1" and 1-1/8"

Crown race puller - forget the model and it's ok but finally got one after struggling with a particular crown race and fork which left little room for any other kind of punch.

All of these were eventually acquired over time along with several other bike specific tools and after finally deciding to undertake relatively simple tasks on my own following some highly unsatisfactory LBS services... not one particular occasion but more of a series of occasions at multiple local shops which just left me with a bitter taste and lack of confidence with levels of service and communication and/or a general lack of interest in some of my particular projects which I think further promoted the poor attention to details and lack of quality service and communication.  It's funny, but after a few particular botched jobs or non-existent communication I later found myself testing out different shops in the area with small individual services to vet them for potentially bigger jobs.  Several failed at even communicating their completion of a job which I found even more frustrating and they lost out on more business.

If you have any inclination for future headset replacements or have run into a situation where it has stalled potential projects I'd strongly encourage you to consider adding a few of the basic headset tools to your box.  It's entirely worth it considering the time it saves if/when you are able to do the rest of the build yourself. 

If not and this is likely a one time job and you have a good LBS then I'd recommend letting the LBS do it rather than potentially damage your headset during a botched removal like I have.

Best wishes and good luck!

Brian Cole

Lawrence NJ

[masmojo]

I have all the necessary tools now, but I'd been knocking bearing cups out with drift punches or long socket extension for 40 years before that & pressing them in with a variety of bogged together tools; most commonly a huge C clamp and blocks of wood! LOL That's what happens when your 9 and you have free reign over the tools in your dad's garage.
I think if I had a rinko headset I'd be inclined to keep it unless you thought it was a feature you'd likely never use; then I'd go with something lighter.

[lconley]

I am also busier than normal while working from home. The new custom frame hangs on the wall mocking me.

I finally bought professional headset installation and removal tools over the past couple years - Park and Efficient Velo Tools. The culprit was the IRD 1-1/8 threadless double roller bearing headset - dummying it up off the bike is deceptive if you have never seen one before. The trusted LBS took a couple of trips by me to show him how to install it correctly. Then I needed another one installed while he was on vacation; I tried another LBS and they installed the headset upside down. I have lost the patience to use my threaded rod, hammer and punches. I had the money (or credit) and decided it was time to bite the bullet and get the proper tools. I will be installing another IRD 1-1/8 threadless double roller bearing headset on the GBW whenever it arrives and retrofitting the Hubbuhubbuh.

I installed a 1" Tange/IRD NeedL BlastR on my Custom with the new tools. Life is better with the proper tools. If you can afford them, you will not regret buying them.

Laing

Delray Beach FL

On Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 10:11:08 AM UTC-4, Coal Bee Rye Anne wrote:

[Christopher Cote]

My two cents (or more):

Don't replace the headset if it's working fine. If you must, I've had pretty good success with the threaded-rod-plus-washers DIY solution. You need to be very cautious when the cups first start to seat, make sure they're going in straight. But it works. I bought a cup remover ages ago, and it was well worth the cost. Chiseling out the old cups with a screwdriver is no good.

I have no experience with this particular tool, but for $60, it looks worth a try:

https://www.jensonusa.com/Foundation-Headset-Press-Tool-For-1-and-1-18-Headsets

Finally, did you intentionally put the shifter mount facing forwards like that? Seems like it would work better flipped over 180 degrees so that the shifter is behind the steerer axis. Or does the cable hit the frame when you turn the front wheel if it's mounted like that? Is that a shifter mount for 1-1/8" steerers? Do they have a mount that clamps on 22.2mm stems?

Chris

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 11:40:27 AM UTC-4, David B wrote:

[David B]

Good advice! Certainly a little crazy, but possibly a good excuse to finally learn how to remove/install headsets.

Joe, I might take you up on your offer if I don't decide to invest in tools right now - and thanks for the offer!

David

[David B]

I'm thinking if I do this, I'll just buy tools and forego the diy. Lots of covid cases in my area and still lots of folks going into 'essential' stores, so the idea of rooting around a hardware store doesn't sound appealing to me right now.

Christopher - I did intentionally place the shifter mount in that manner since the previous Sunrace thumb shifter mounted on the stem could only mount in that orientation. However, with Riv's new design, I didn't realize I could fit that on the same side, but with mount behind the quill AND still have the shifter oriented in the same manner. I might switch this up. I don't want to mount to stem because I'll have 2 handlebar setups (using a rinko trick) that I can easily swap. Having the shifter mounted as a headset spacer means I don't have to mess with it at all to swap setups.

David

[David B]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts on this. I still am not sure what I'll do. Functionally, nothing wrong with the headset. To my eye the headsets that come stock on other Riv frames just seem a little slicker, dare I say 'higher' end. I understand the philosophy of the Clem and the decision for the sorta of (but not really) rinko headset.

David

[Joe Bernard]

As an alternative way to look at it, I think the original Clem "rinko" headset has a retro-cool vibe that matches what the idea started as: a new budget utilitarian frame you can buy instead of grabbing an old mountain bike off Craigslist and spending a fortune to make your "cheap find" work.