Bicycle Mechanics - Switching a Fork

When switching a fork from one bike to another what tools do I need for a treadles headset. I know I need a Head Cup Remover to knock the cup out. After I assume I would need a Cup Setter to put it in properly. Besides hex keys and other common tools do I need any other special tools to do this job, like $150 dollar head press (what is that thing used for n-ways). Thanks

When switching a fork from one bike to another what tools do I need for a treadles headset. I know I need a Head Cup Remover to knock the cup out. After I assume I would need a Cup Setter to put it in properly. Besides hex keys and other common tools do I need any other special tools to do this job, like $150 dollar head press (what is that thing used for n-ways). Thanks A headset press is for seating the cups. Doing it by the book aslo requires a crown race setter and remover. If you haven't read the book you can also do it with improvised tools which include a screwdriver ,hammer and block of wood. www.parktool.com has the complete drill in the repair setion.

Come on guys is it really such a hard procedure that either no one knows how to do it or at best throws some technical terms in and tells me to go see the web page with is horrible. I would like and explanation as if I was 5 years old, maybe then I'll finally understand how that dam system works. If anyone is up for telling me what I need I to know I appreciate it.

Come on guys is it really such a hard procedure that either no one knows how to do it or at best throws some technical terms in and tells me to go see the web page with is horrible. I would like and explanation as if I was 5 years old, maybe then I'll finally understand how that dam system works. If anyone is up for telling me what I need I to know I appreciate it.There is a Barnettes manual sticky at the top of this page with HS stuff in it. It doesn't get any better than the Park site. If you can't read and understand that,Im not gonna waste my time trying to feed it to you like a 5 year old.

all u have to do bro is just drop out the old fork and slide in the new one/or used one as long as the steering stem is the same diameter as the one ur going to replace.i would guess u have a 1 1/8" bearing diameter...kinda common.so u don't have to do nothing w/ur steering cups&bearing's except inspect for wear and regrease...is all!good luck bro!....david

all u have to do bro is just drop out the old fork and slide in the new one/or used one as long as the steering stem is the same diameter as the one ur going to replace.i would guess u have a 1 1/8" bearing diameter...kinda common.so u don't have to do nothing w/ur steering cups&bearing's except inspect for wear and regrease...is all!good luck bro!....david Well, you had better arrange to get a proper crown race on that new/used one, as well as possibly cutting it to correct length and then adjusting it properly.

As far as dropping the fork out. Once I unscrew the head set, or whatever the screw at the top is called, the fork should just slide out or will I have to put some hammer force into it for it to come out. Thanks

As far as dropping the fork out. Once I unscrew the head set, or whatever the screw at the top is called, the fork should just slide out or will I have to put some hammer force into it for it to come out. Thanks Maybe.

A few taps with a rubber mallet is sometimes necessary to get the fork out. When you remove the stem KEEP THE FORK SUPPORTED!!! It can very easily fall out once nothing is holding it, even if it seems to be holding on its own.

If the bike that is getting the fork swapped to already has a 1 1/8th headset there is no reason to mess with the headsets really, provided they are in good condition. You will need to switch the crown races though, which CAN be done with a screwdriver but it chews up the crown and the race somewhat and I personally wouldn't do it.

I feel like I’m going to get kicked off this cite for this question. I probably have seen this thing plenty of times and know what it is but don't know the name for it. Here goes: what exactly is the "crown races"? If not the screwdriver method, what is the appropriate tool for the job? Thanks.

I feel like I’m going to get kicked off this cite for this question. I probably have seen this thing plenty of times and know what it is but don't know the name for it. Here goes: what exactly is the "crown races"? If not the screwdriver method, what is the appropriate tool for the job? Thanks.It's the lower part of the HS bearing assembly that sits at the base of the fork steerer. the 'appropriate' tool is a crown race puller. You really should get acquainted with that Park site before you bugger somethng or worse hurt yourself. A bad HS/fork install can kill you.

mitok, I suggest you either purchase a book like Zinn and the art of "Road (or Mountain) Bike Maintenance" so you can see the details of the assembly and get detailed step-by-step instructions.

Doing this job requires either a significant expenditure for the "proper" tools or considerable skill using makeshift ones. I don't know what your mechanical skill level is, but your questions indicate that you are unfamiliar with this part of a bicycle. In your case, I suggest that you take the frame and fork to your LBS and pay them the nominal fee to swap out the fork for you. An LBS generally charges about $20 or so for the labor to replace and properly adjust the headset. You would spend much more than that just on a headset press that you may not use for another year or more.

I do almost all my own bike work but still pay an LBS to swap out headsets.