Need help w/ headset for R20

[sahadev]

Found some pics of the R20 that Jur built awhile back and love the look of it. I have searched the Folding Bike forum for his parts list but cannot find it. Jur, is there a link to a list of parts that you used?

Sheldon states on one of his pages that the R20 headset is a standard size and that any 1" headset should fit. Well, I purchased two Ritchey Logic 1" sets, threaded and threadless, but both are too large to fit in the head tube of my R20. Not by much, but the LBS did not want to try to press them in since the head tube is not reinforced. The difference in O.D. of the headsets is only .01, but you can tell it would be a squeeze to get them in. Some judicious grinding might be in order here.

Jur appears to have used a threadless setup. What headset did you use? Were there any fitting problems? Where did you get the super long steerer tube? I have a local source for Chro-moly tubing that can be cut to length. I am planning to buy a section from them if I find a suitable headset.

What headset and steerer tubes have others used? Again, any problems fitting the parts into the head tube?

Thanks for your help!

[pxboii]

I've encountered the same problem when I pimp my R20. I purchased a standard 1 inch headset the bottom cup went in but top one were just a bit bigger. the LBS says it needs a "different" 1" headset because it seems the head tube is taper near the top. They finally found a used shimano STX headset off an old 80s road bike and with some effort it finally went in. Finding the right headset combo and forks were the most challenging part of my build. I used a RST suspension fork because it came with a long steer tube and V brake bosses but I still needed to cut half inch off the top of head tube to fit all the headset properly. If you decide to cut the head tube make sure do it right and face it spot on. If you are not sure about it, take it to a bike shop that can do the job.

[saanichbc]

I have some build info on my own R20 site located here: http://21oaks.net/r20

Hope this may provide you with some help.

[sahadev]

I've visited most of the LBS in my area looking for a better quality threadless headset. I suspect this one is not made to close tolerances. Haven't found one yet in the 1" size, so I may end up grinding it ever so lightly on Monday. I did pick up a length of Chro-moly for my steerer tube today. We're moving forward!

[alecw35]

You can get the head tube reamed.

got an adjustable reamer at work. Not tried to ream a head tube with it

Ive just cut a head tube down so I could fit suspension forks to my BSA 20.
Just cut the tube to 4.250 inch. Then filed it to smooth, straight. Filed down inside.
To get the burred metal out.

Then looked at my box of cheap secondhand headsets. Picked out 2 cups.
Pressed them in...by closing the vice onto the head tube.
Fitted easily. No sign of bulging of the metal.

But I think the headtubes on these bikes are thinner at the top.
To get that stupid plastic bush in.
Mine wasnt tight on the frame.
Turned with the forks even after greasing.
Junked it

[sahadev]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. It's very helpful to hear how others have dealt with this.

My LBS thought the head tube was too thin to machine so I am going to ever so lightly grind the new headset to match the O.D. of the stock one. I have no vise so I will then give it to the LBS to press into place. I am reluctant to cut down the head tube, so I bought a looong length of 1" Chromoly(21") to use as a steerer tube. I did this so I could experiment with the location of the stem. I can always cut it down. I have an RST Capra suspension fork that will accept the 1" tube by using a 1 1/8" to 1" adapter.