next question: removing/reinstalling the headset bearing cup on the fork
 

i know there's a special too to facilitate the removal of the bearing cup that goes over the fork steer tube, but is there an effective way to remove it using more common tools?

and is there anything involved with installing a new one other than sliding it on?

thanks!

A drift punch or flat-head screwdriver and a hammer can be used to knock it off if there is some overhang of the crown race. Tap one one side, then the other to minimize the stress on the race.

The crown race is secured by its press fit to the fork column base, so it should require some "mechanical encouragement" (hammering) to seat the race. Just don't strike the bearing surface (concave shiny part). A piece of thick walled tubing longer than the fork column and with an inner diameter just bigger than the fork column base makes an excellant mounting tool.

If you are using a 1" steerer, and have a cartridge bearing, then it will be fairly easy to install. Go to your local home-improvement store, and fing the size of steel pipe that is just over 1" ID (maybe 1 18"?). Buy a couple similar-sized washers. Put the washers on the crown race, and sloooowly hammer it down with the pipe.

great.. that wasn't so hard (actually, it kind of was...)

but i got the old one off. now to decide between DA and spending the extra scratch on a Chris King....

You will ruin a D/A headset using my method. If you're going to buy expensive bits, install them properly.

noted.. i'll take it to the shop and have them install it.

Go for the King!

I agree... ride with The King... but have a shop install... I'll put the whole bike together... everything except the headset... too easy to screw it up, if you don;t know what yer doin'

Jeff