Originally Posted by
HillRider
I've installed CK headsets using a homemade headset press (All-thread rod, big washers and two nuts). Make sure the washers are large enough to span the edges of the cups as you do not want to press on the bearing cartridges.
+1, it seems that of all the headsets out there the CK headset installation is the one that really benefits from using the long bolt or all-thread w/ nuts and large washers because it keeps the pressure on the outside of the cups and off of the bearings that are factory installed in the cups.
I've got a CK headset I've used on three different mountain bikes, and on all three installations I've used the simple large bolt/nuts/washers tool to install it. Our shop is a CK dealer and we have the special CK installation tools, but it can be done safely without them.