Bicycle Mechanics - Chris King headset installation

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getgonegoing

07-12-06, 02:08 PM

Is it imperative to use Chris King dies when installing one of their threaded headsets? My lbs does not have them.

How important is reaming the steering tube? If one uses commonsense and does not manhandle them in would it be okay?

Thanks

CHenry

07-12-06, 03:50 PM

In a word, no.

If you get two 2 inch flat washers with a center hole large enough to accommodate the headset press axle, you can press the cups without the CK dies. (I bought some at Lowe's.) CK cups are pressed in one at a time. Place the upper race and standard die on the axle, then the washer, then the cup and race assembly, drop into the headset, place the second washer and locking die and press in the cup. The opposite cup is pressed in the same way. Make sure the washers are centered and that they bridge the races and make contact with only the shell. Keep everything straight. Use grease.