Hey folks. Just installed an old (JAPAN printed on all metal lock nut) 1" Ritchey hs and I can't get adjustment right - it's either binding a bit or too loose. I've adjusted a lot of headsets and never had this much trouble. Seems the cup and upper race aren't meshing right - can see a mm or so more of the race exposed under the cup on the front than the rear. When I tighten down, it evens out, but then it's too tight. Possible I've got a misshapen cup our could it be a retainer related problem? The head tube was recently faced and the last headset mounted to that facing worked fine or I'd suspect the head tube or steerer tube. The upper bearings are extra small, as in the later Ritchey design, in a retainer, not sure of size or I'd try losing the retainer and getting new bearings. Any experience with this HS? Are these just not that well made? Ritchey's customer service is unresponsive, beyond useless.

Service flows Backwards thru the supply chain.. LBS, Dealer > Wholesale Distribuitor-Importer > To Company (TR has TW factories Making his things)

You use a Headset press?

Yes - tight and flush against head tube

just saying start local I cannot help you over the internet , Try the LBS.

Any chance the retainer is installed upside down?

It was. It was worse then. I'll try it without retainer and then take it to the LBS.