rico_mack

I have a 2001 Litespeed Ardenburg that I recently purchased. While replacing the headset it was obvious that a standard 1 1/8 threadless headset top bearing cup will not fit appropriately. Bottom is fine. The person I bought this frame from said this was a engineering design from Litespeed to reduce the stress on the top of the head tube and that a headset with a longer inset depth was needed. He had used a Cranecreek S2 headset that had a 12mm inset depth instead of the standard of 10mm like Chris King's and others. After doing a little more research on the subject, it appears that Litespeed used a ~10mm Al shim that was that was epoxied in the reamed out portion top of the head tube. Using a headset with a 12mm inset depth only gives 2mm of purchase on the head tube which seems like a bad idea. So I'm looking for possible solutions. I've got a query into Litespeed about this shim, i.e. can I purchase one, can I get the dimensions, etc, but haven't heard back yet. But suppose I can't purchase a shim from Litespeed, are there any other work arounds other that have a shim professionally made? I'm I being overly paranoid? A standard 10mm inset depth headset is not lose, but it definitely not tight by any means.

Thanks.

nfmisso

Too much liability for anyone to suggest anything other than talking to Litespeed.

rico_mack

Trying

wesmamyke

This sounds like someone did something wrong to that headtube. All the Lightspeed frames I've seen have the aluminum sleeves pressed in and take standard headsets.

Got any pictures? Part of your description makes it sound like the whole sleeve is missing, the other part makes it sound like someone just WAY over reamed the headtube.

Edit: I believe the original reason for the headtube and seatube inserts was to just make final frame prep less of a pain. Cutting Ti destroys cutting tools, aluminum is just easier to deal with.

rico_mack

Thanks for your response. Sorry if my original post wasn't clear. I am 99% sure the sleeve is missing. I'm assuming the sleeve came out with a headset change. Guess only.

The person who sold me the frame said LS told him to use 12 mm inset headset and everything would be fine. When I talked to LS they said as standand 1 1/8 threadless headset would work. But without the sleeve it doesn't. I put in another query to LS to find out if it was possible to to buy a sleeve from them and if not could I get a copy of the sleeve drawing. I was told probably not, but contact the warranty/service dept. Oh sigh. Needless to say the bike is 16 years old and way out of warranty but maybe they can help with a drawing.

It is interesting that you say all LS you have seen had the sleeve. I thought it was only the Arenburg.

Thanks again.

HillRider

No, it should not be. If you are the original owner and have your sales receipt and/or you registered the bike with Litespeed when you bought it, they have a lifetime warranty. I'd pursue a warranty claim with them.

rico_mack

Well here's the final update on the shim. After trying to get information from Litespeed on the AL shim/spacer used in the Litespeed Arenburg headtube, I finally went to a local frame builder here in Tucson and he manufactured a spacer to go in the headtube. So all is well and the bike is back on the road.

BTW LItespeed's latest and last response to my request information on the shim/spacer for the Arenburg headset was to send me their latest price list for their new bikes with no comment about the shim. Oh well.

hueyhoolihan

those marketing guys... gotta' love 'em .