Bicycle Mechanics - Integrated headset challenge

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Rob P.
06-10-09, 02:58 PM
I have a new carbon frameset that came with a carbon FSA integrated headset. Unfortunately the headset did not come with the "compression wedge" that goes on top of the upper cartridge bearing to center it on the steerer tube.

I found a "used" one at the LBS. However, the top cover still rubs slightly on the frame headtube. Are there shims I can get to add a bit of clearance here? Or do I need to order a new "compression wedge" from FSA? (can you even get them?)

Ex Pres
06-10-09, 03:00 PM
Steerer spacers come pretty thin, at least down to 1mm. Have you tried these?

But I would contact the seller of the frame. You did say it was new.
Rob P.
06-10-09, 03:12 PM
Steerer spacers come pretty thin, at least down to 1mm. Have you tried these?

But I would contact the seller of the frame. You did say it was new.

Ahh, perhaps I'm not being clear. The problem is that there isn't enough stack between the lower and upper bearings to allow the bearing cover to not rub the frame. I need to shim on top of the upper bearing below the cover. This is not the steerer tube spacers under the stem. Something in the order of .003"-.005" is where I'm looking not 1 mm or larger.

Ex Pres
06-10-09, 03:34 PM
you were clear, just wasn't sure how much rubbing you had there. For real thin shims I would look in auto parts. All kinds of really thin shims there, crankshaft thrust washers, etc Your ticket's in post 6
markieta
06-10-09, 03:44 PM
Ahh, perhaps I'm not being clear. The problem is that there isn't enough stack between the lower and upper bearings to allow the bearing cover to not rub the frame. I need to shim on top of the upper bearing below the cover. This is not the steerer tube spacers under the stem. Something in the order of .003"-.005" is where I'm looking not 1 mm or larger.


I think I know what you need,
and many local bike shops should have these in stock which is weird.

PM me your address and I can send you some spacers by regular post,
it wont be the fastest delivery but if you can't find any in the time it takes to arrive at your place,
it'll be a treat.
cachehiker
06-10-09, 03:46 PM
My Cane Creek IS-8 came with about three of these.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HS408Z25-Fsa%20Headset%20Microspacers.aspx?SSAID=176195

I don't know where you'd find the split ring that sits below these and directly on top of the upper bearing but if the bearing angle (36º, 45º, etc.) match the split ring, I suspect you'll be OK with whatever the bike shop had kicking around.
Soil_Sampler
06-10-09, 06:44 PM
http://webstore.fullspeedahead.com/fly.aspx?taxid=235&layout=estoreproduct
mzeffex
06-10-09, 07:29 PM
None of these people seem to know what you mean, unless i don't understand them. I know what you mean, the wedge shaped shim that goes in the top? I don't think FSA uses those, just cane creek, but I'm not sure.
Rob P.
06-10-09, 07:32 PM
Thanks guys. I ran out and got some steel shims from the bearing house after reading these posts. The local LBS don't got nuttin.
Rob P.
06-10-09, 07:34 PM
None of these people seem to know what you mean, unless i don't understand them. I know what you mean, the wedge shaped shim that goes in the top? I don't think FSA uses those, just cane creek, but I'm not sure.

No, I needed the shim "washers" but didn't know that they were available. I already got the split ring from a LBS who happened to have one in a "junk" parts drawer.