straycat23

I am just starting to build my Mondial. I'm starting with the headset. My first of probably a series of questions is: I'm trying to put Top and Bottom set races into the head tube, and they seem awfully tight. Do I just keep cranking down on big lock nut on top to seat the races or what? Or do I tap in the set races without the bearings? How do I ever get the set races out of the head tube if I need to? I'm a complete novice at bike mechanics. Thanks for the help

fietsbob

Cups are pressed in to the frame with a special tool**, and you should not force things together , Not all frames take all parts

you need to measure the head tube ID where it was reamed and faced, and measurethe part of the bearing cups . to see if they are compatible .


**DIY presses can be made with All-thread Rod, Washers and Nuts..


The top nut on the headset is there to fine tune the bearing adjustment.

dr_lha

Maybe read up on the different types of headsets, and about building bikes in general before just jamming parts together? There are plenty of videos on the internet that can help you.

straycat23

Thanks. I found a helpful video to do this. Thanks again.

straycat23

Continuing this thread I started in April. I figured out the problem with the headset: I consulted guy I bought the frame from in Hungary: I wasn't tightening the headset enough. Needed to get more aggressive.

There's not much information on these Cicli Mondials, though from all outward appearances, this frame was quality built, and I think a long time ago. There are very few decals left on the bike(what's left appears original), so I can't really tell much about the tubing. It's supposed to be made of Columbus tubing. How old?: I don't know. I think it is butted, because I'm fairly sure I can feel the difference running my finger down the tubes; whereas I can't on my straight gauge Bianchi bike. I can see a faint seam in the seat tube, which from what I have read means it wasn't cold drawn. Most of the information I'm reading appears to apply mostly to 80's and newer tubing. Can any one tell me about older Columbus Tubing probably from early 70's or even 60's maybe 50's. This company has been in business for a long time. Most of the bikes are found in Europe from what I've read.

straycat23

I transferred this thread over to the Classic and Vintage section as I am almost finished with building this bike and want to know more about the tubing. Thanks everyone.