Originally Posted by
frantik
most headsets i've seen have a nut on top that serves as the lockring, then a washer, then the upper cup of the headset. this one has the nut + spacers + lockring + cup. it does seem like the lockring is redundant.. i may just go over to the LBS and have them remove it and get a spacer. i was thinking of ordering the tool so i could service the headset in the future but just ditching the lockring sounds a lot better
The lockring isn't required. These are usually found on bikes with centerpull brakes, as it allows the headset adjustment to be maintained more easily when a cable hanger is installed under the top locknut.