Cyclocross - Cyclocross Specific Headset/Top Cap...

So I am putting together a cyclocross bike, and the front brake hanger is not allowing me to lower the stem/bars enough, as it is acting as an additional spacer under the stem. I already have my stem flipped, and I cant use a stem with less rise, as the brake cable routing will not be smooth.

So, I remember seeing an FSA headset with the cable hanger integrated into it. I looked online, and the headset runs about $60. I already have an FSA headset though, and I was looking to just get the top cap. But I cant seem to find the top cap sold seperatly.

Has anybody used one of these headsets, and is it possible to just buy the top-cap?

http://www.amazon.com/PRO-Headset-Cable-Hanger-PR302718/dp/B0049PQTLG
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/pro-r-11-cable-hanger?utm_campaign=products&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base

Is this what You're looking for?

220783

This was on cyclocrossworld.com (http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Tektro-Alloy-Cable-Hanger_p_133.html) for $14 It replaces a spacer on the headset.

Here's the FSA CX headset, but I doubt it will help the problem you're describing as it has a lot of stack height:

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=30685&category=726


Are you sure you need the bars so low? Higher bars are often good for cyclocross.

You may also want to look into fork-mounted cable hangers.

http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Headsets_c_27.html

they have a telephone to talk to them as well as e-mail..

If at all possible use a fork mounted hanger. The reduction in shudder they provide is very beneficial.

If your fork wont take a hangar, try this easy stem mounted solution;
http://hoyerfamily.com/cyclocross/?p=77

(Though stem mounting can make any brake shudder worse since any flex of the stem contributes to change in cable tension).

I have the FSA CX headset and I trashed the bottom race when I installed it. My LBS ordered another for me so I assume that the top race (not top cap) is also available for order. As said by a post above, look online and make sure that it will help. The orbit CX has a fairly tall stack height. Probably equivalent to using your current headset plus a cable stop.

That pro headset hanger is exactly what I had in mind.

The bars are about an inch and a half higher then my road bike, and its not like I run my road bike bars extremely low, as I have some spacers under the stem. I think the problem is the head tube is taller to begin with on the cross bike, and then the headset cap adds 15mm, and the hanger another 10mm. I think if I could cut about 20mm I would be right where I would want to be for cross.

That pro headset hanger is made for the pro headset. I'm not sure it will work.

If at all possible use a fork mounted hanger. The reduction in shudder they provide is very beneficial.


Indeed!
The only proper hanger is a fork-crown mount, e.g.

http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-Brake-Housing-1272AF-Silver/dp/B000C14HNS
or
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57980

Indeed!
The only proper hanger is a fork-crown mount, e.g.

http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-Brake-Housing-1272AF-Silver/dp/B000C14HNS
or
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57980
Absolutely. Go for the fork crown-mounted cable hanger. It will address your problem AND eliminate any fork chatter. http://crono-tech.blogspot.com/2010/11/cyclocross-brake-chatter.html

Leonard Zinn wrote a great article about their use: http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/09/cyclocross/technical-qa-with-lennard-zinn-return-to-cross_101807

You can also use a rear hanger that's intended to attach to the seatpost binder bolt, and dangle it from your stem's faceplate, like so:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/916786770_400b8d4e5c.jpg