fork crown race replacement issue
 

I was about to install a new headset and put my fork back on my frame when I noticed the fork crown race had a small crack in it that is almost through the entire lip/ring. I'd like to replace it and avoid a failure at an inopportune time.

Even if the race was not cracked, it still doesn't fit into the new headset I purchased. (does not go inside the bearing cartridge)

Here is what I'm working with: mid-80s road fork, 1" threaded, Shimano 600 NOS headset.

I can provide pictures or more information if needed. I guess I'm trying to figure out where to find a variety of fork crown races. I called my LBS, told them my issue and was informed that they didn't have any races that would work since it is hard to match headsets to races and even more difficult in my case since the headset is old.

Any ideas? Did Shimano decide to change the diameter of the headset bearings cartridge and complicate things?

anything is possible with shimano.

just to clarify. You were trying to use the old crown race with a new headset? I can def see an issue there.

Also, what type of frame, are you sure it's not JIS standard. There is a slight difference in diameter between that and english.

Yes, I was trying to use the old crown race with a new headset. I didn't think new headsets commonly came with the fork race, do they? This might be the one part I overlooked...and it is standing in the way of finishing my winter build project. Ahhh!

The frame is a mid80s Panasonic road frame that is all ready to be fully anointed as a conversion. Not sure if that means it will be JIS or English, since it might have been Japanese made, but also might be English either way.

I'm going to have nightmares about fork crown races until I figure this out.

get a new headset and make sure you get a proper sized crown race. you may need to get a new fork (worst case scenario) because you have to remember that 80s japanese bike industry was just starting up (as a major playa) and although the cups probably fit in the head tube the standard 26.4 race may not fit on the fork. Ive had this problem before a few times and had to get a new fork once.

That doesn't seem like the best solution. Are you telling me that I really am not going to be able to find a fork race that works? I just got the headset, I spent a fair amount of money on it, I like it and I'd rather not have to backtrack.

I'd love to be able to locate a hidden cave of crown races and just find one that will work. I'm going to try and figure out the best case scenario first.

email andrew and yellowjersey.org

he knows a crapload about panasonics. He should be able to help as well as source the right race. He usually gets back to you within a day and is really helpful.

maybe you should read up a bit. just because you find a crown race that fits your fork doesnt mean that you can just slide the fork into the brand new headset and everything will work. there is no race/cup standard between headsets.

you a.) have to buy a new headset with a crown race that fits, or atleast find the bottom half of a headset (crown race, bottom bearings, bottom cup) or b.) buy a damn 10 dollar steel road fork off craigslist and use your new headset that you like so much.

Headsets normally come with the crown race because, as you discovered you can't mix and match the races easily. Have a look around for it.

Okay Pip, I'll have a look, but I really don't think one came with the headset. Thanks for the advice though.

Ahh, ha ha. Okay, cue the music...

I had the race all along. It just went together with the bearing cartridge so well that I thought it was all just one part. Well, I'll be damned...you learn something new every day.

Thanks Pip and Seaneee, it was your moral support and confidence in me that allowed me to achieve my best today:) Now it's time to go install the headset and fork.

is your frame/ hs jis or iso that would be the next question

use the race that comes with the new HS. the bearing race is a different diameter between older JIS and current HS.

your fork is a JIS, this mean the crown race its uses is a 27.0mm diameter. current 1" headsets use a 26.4 diameter. any competent bike shop should have been able to tell you this, and you JIS fork crown can be milled down with a crown race miller to 26.4.

I think L.I. is onto the problem. The crown race is too small in diameter to fit onto my fork steerer tube. I'd say he is right in that it needs a 27.0 mm race and I have a 26.4mm race with the current headset.

Is it possible to simply buy a 27.0mm race and use it with my current fork/headset? Or, would this cause size/compatibility/performance issues?

some bike shops will have a crown race miller. because you are removing about 0.6mm of metal, filing or sanding will be very difficult and extremely imprecise. for a headset to operate well everything needs to be perfect. find a shop that has a crown race miller and expect to pay $15-30.

your other option is to get a tange HS. they still make headsets with a 27.0mm crown race. as for mixing and matching races, dont do it. the quality of the shimano HS is nicer than a tange, so id recommend finding a competent shop to mill your fork.

Give up looking for a JIS race that magically happens to mesh with the cartridge from that 600 headset. It ain't happenin'. If you're set on the headset, mill down the race. If you're set on the fork, buy a Tange or Ritchey headset that's JIS sized. If you're set on the headset, but not the fork, get a new fork. Without a doubt it'll be ISO and you won't have to worry about this ever again.

Crown Race
 

I have a couple of 600 headsets with 27.0 crown races and I'm looking for a race that is 26.4! If you are still in need of this part maybe we can work something out. I bought a headset on eBay that the seller said had a 26.4 race and it was actually 27.0... What the hell!? Anyway, let me know...

-Andrew