erichkopp

I have a Specialized Allez Elite (integrated headset) and am in the process of switching the frame out for a Soma Smoothie (traditional 1 1/8" press-in headset) and it seems like the Allez's fork doesn't sit as flush as it should. There's a small but noticeable gap between the fork's crown race and where it looks like it should slide down to at the end of the steerer tube.

I switched the crown races so it has the new headset's compatible race, so that shouldn't be an issue. It seems like the race itself doesn't want to sit far enough towards the bottom of the steerer tube causing a slight gap.

Another weird thing to me was that the original race slid off without any force at all. Is this normal for some forks? The fork also seems to have it's own little dust cap and doesn't look like it is removable.

I'm really confused here.


EDIT:
On second thought, I'm thinking the race that slid off was the bearing race and not the crown race, and that the crown is still on the fork. I won't be home until tomorrow to look closer but I'm thinking that may be my problem. Does this sound right?

LarDasse74

I don't know for sure, but maybe the Allez frame is designed specifically for that fork and vise versa. Traditional frames and forks are interchangable, but a lot of newer forks have a near seamless look when mated to their frames.