sysrq

What are the typical signs in a headset? Don't want to dismantle it again just to check it since messing around too much can damage something especially when doing boring seemingly unnecessary tasks due to OCD. Next time when swapping out forks will have to install it incorrectly on purpose just to see what happens. I guess the bearing would sit too high and it would be nearly impossible to install the compression ring.

FBinNY 

Yes, the bearing will sit high give itself away by a large gap between frame and top cap.

But this begs the question. What signs have you suspecting that it may be inverted?


BTW - you made a duplicate post. Delete the other so all replies will be in this thread.

sysrq

I have only seen the bottom ones being routinely installed other way around, but not the top ones. The top cap covers the bottom cap by half currently on the upper headset bearing.
Wasn't able to delete the title on a duplicate post.

FBinNY 

I have no idea what you mean. In any case, the only thing you control are the gaps between the moving parts, top and bottom. If either is not between zero and 1mm or so, you need to recheck the assembly.

BTinNYC 

I think you do want to dismantle it again, think of all the fun! The learning! The leetle balls rolling under the shelf!

pdlamb

I reinstalled a race, not the actual bearing, upside down on a travel bike, too excited to start the ride. I couldn't get the the headset and stem adjusted right. Fortunately, I caught it (with some help) before it did any damage.

I'm not sure what bad things you think will happen if you disassemble and reassemble. Sure, you can screw something else up, but a threadless headset can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times without damage.

sysrq

Actually the top cap covers the lower cap almost fully. There is only 1 mm between edges.

sysrq

The handlebars are already tightened down with threadlock. The brake wires might be too short to lift the stem off since I left the steerer tube uncut.

FBinNY 

I totally don't understand what your issue might be.

Are you simply second guessing yourself like someone halfway to the airport wondering if they locked the door?

If your headset looks right and feels right, it is right. Plain and simple. Or put another way, DON'T FIX WHAT AINT BROKE.

oldbobcat

He said it's a cartridge bearing. It's no big deal to dismantle. Just be sure the fork is supported so the whole shebang doesn't slip through the head tube onto the floor when you remove the top cap and stem.

oldbobcat

He said it's a cartridge bearing. It's no big deal to dismantle. Just be sure the fork is supported so the whole shebang doesn't slip through the head tube onto the floor when you remove the top cap and stem.