Bicycle Mechanics - Problem with Headset Compression Ring

Sorry this is a cross post, but I really need some assistance with a headset installation. I posted this previously but didn't get much response, so I thought I'd try again with actual photos of the situation. Headset is a Cane Creek S-2. Fork is a Reynolds Ouzo Pro. Both 1".

When assembling the headset I can't get the compression ring to slide down far enough for the top lip of the compression ring to contact the upper surface of the cartridge bearing. Apparently, the diameter of the steerer tube is just wide enough to expand the compression ring and not allow it to fit between the bearing and the steerer.

As you can see in the following two photos, the compression ring only slides down far enough to get the top lip about 3mm away from the bearing.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/274873482_gmJsg-O.jpghttp://www.smugmug.com/photos/274873605_FE7fp-O.jpg

When I slide on the bearing cap, it sits higher than I would think it should because of the compression ring sticking up.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/274873527_YtBhB-O.jpg

I have Cane Creek headsets on three other bikes and have not run into this issue. On those bikes, the lip of the compression ring slides all the way down so that its beveled edge fits into the bevel of the bearing. The photo below shows how the compression ring would fit onto the bearing if the steerer wasn't expanding it.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/274873558_JqmT5-O.jpg

So, is this normal, or is there a problem here?

I don't think it's normal and perhaps you have an incorrectly made compression ring or the steerer is slightly oversize. Can you mike the steerer to be sure it's diameter is correct? If the steerer is OK, I'd contact Cane Creek about this.

I don't think it's normal and perhaps you have an incorrectly made compression ring or the steerer is slightly oversize. Can you mike the steerer to be sure it's diameter is correct? If the steerer is OK, I'd contact Cane Creek about this.

HillRider, thanks for the ideas. I checked the steerer, and it was right at 1", so that's not the problem.

Then it occured to me that, since my other road bike has a 1" Cane Creek headset on it, I could take the comp ring off of it and try it on the new build (not sure why I didn't think of this in the first place). Sure enough, it worked fine. So the comp ring on the new headset is obviously a little out of whack.

I'll head to the LBS that sold and installed the headset to see what they want to do about it. I'm just disappointed that they didn't address or mention the problem when they installed it.

I appreciate the help.

Did the LBS that installed the headset actually install the fork and "button up" everything or did you just have them install the cups and crown race and you planned to complete the installation yourself? If the former, then, yes, they certainly should have noticed and mentioned the problem.

I'm happy to hear the problem is just with a minor part, not something as fundamental as the steerer tube. Should be easy to resolve.

Did the LBS that installed the headset actually install the fork and "button up" everything or did you just have them install the cups and crown race and you planned to complete the installation yourself? If the former, then, yes, they certainly should have noticed and mentioned the problem.

I'm happy to hear the problem is just with a minor part, not something as fundamental as the steerer tube. Should be easy to resolve.

They did assemble everything, so they would have definitely been able to spot the issue. They're good guys, though, so no worries.

I had an fsa campy type headset with a compression ring. It had a gap also, but maybe not as much as yours?

I just mounted the stem and compression cap on top and used that to push the compression ring in place. That's what worked in my case. If all your parts are right that might work?

There's no way the comp ring would've gone into place, even with loading the headset. The LBS is going to contact Cane Creek for a replacement.

You'll probably get a replacement, but the next time you try putting it in, stick it in the freezer for a while. That will make it smaller and easier to install, good luck.

You'll probably get a replacement, but the next time you try putting it in, stick it in the freezer for a while. That will make it smaller and easier to install, good luck.

Once it warmed back up, though, I'd imagine the very tight fit would make headset adjustment troublesome.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/274873558_JqmT5-O.jpg


does it sit flush in this image, I can't tell?

apparently Cane Creek makes three different 1" compression rings.

Solos #HSS41040
C2 #CR0009
IS-2,IS-6,S2,S6,ZS-2 #CR0015

Call Peter Gilbert @ Cane Creek, he will help you.
800-234-2725
peter@canecreek.com

Once it warmed back up, though, I'd imagine the very tight fit would make headset adjustment troublesome.

I was talking about the new one.

Wow thats not close to flush, I would call it a defective/incorrect compression ring. On another note if that is a carbon fiber steer tube you ABSOLUTELY want to keep the fork free of grease so it doesn't cease onto the ring. Its the same reason you don't want to EVER grease a carbon fiber seat post. Nice bike btw, I have a similar setup, 853 steel and 1" full carbon post, sexy.

Wow thats not close to flush, I would call it a defective/incorrect compression ring. On another note if that is a carbon fiber steer tube you ABSOLUTELY want to keep the fork free of grease so it doesn't cease onto the ring. Its the same reason you don't want to EVER grease a carbon fiber seat post. Nice bike btw, I have a similar setup, 853 steel and 1" full carbon post, sexy.

Thanks, Greyghost. I actually snagged the frame off of eBay for a nice price. In fact, I wasn't even planning on a new road bike. I just entered a minimal bid for the heck of it and was completely surprised when I found out I was the high bidder.

I wasn't sure if I should turn around and resell it for a bit of a profit or build it into a beater bike. I'm not entirely sure how it ended up with a full Ultegra SL groupset, Ultegra SL wheelset, carbon fork, etc.:o