Picked up a cool but a bit raggedy (not my size) '86 Peugeot PX 10. It's a 56 cm Columbus SLX frame with full, correct Mavic group just like from the factory. I wanted the bits so I'll probably offer the frame for sale later and in the proper venue.

It has the 310 headset which requires a special wrench set for removal/installation. French propriety and all that. A pretty thorough search turned up nothing on acquiring the rare wrenches.

http://www.velo-pages.com/main.php?g2_itemId=21130

http://www.velobase.com/ViewTool.asp...244&AbsPos=143

It's invention time. No process pictures, so use your imagination......

Materials:

- a band of crocus cloth ~ 3/4"x 6" (affords a tough and flexible grip)
- 10 pieces of soft copper wire ~ 1/16" in diameter x 1" in length
- electrical tape
- adjustable hose clamp
- channel locks

Process:

Loosely wrap and tape the crocus cloth around the outside diameter of the headset lock ring, leaving just enough room to insert the 10 pieces of copper wire into the external vertical grooves, under the crocus cloth. Take time to deburr the cut tips of wire to avoid scratches.

When pieces of wire are in place snug the crocus cloth up against the lock ring with additional wraps of tape.

Install hose clamp and tighten well with so that no rotation is possible.

Now, channel locks can be used safely to bite into the hose clamp allowing the necessary force to "pop" loose the lock ring. The upper bearing cup can be loosened by hand from this point. Voila, the headset is now as manageable as any other. With zero damage.

Reverse the process for installation.

A little awkward but works like a charm.

Hope you found this informative.

J