Do you need to remove this ring for the forks to drop out because i am having difficulty removing them.

Not sure exactly what you are referring to as the compression ring since there are a number of different headset assemblies, but you want to remove all pieces of the headset above the cup pressed into the frame. If the headset is is sealed, do not take the seals apart (I'm thinking you may be talking about a snap ring holding the seals in). Some headsets have a tapered sleeve which may be what you are talking about. This must be removed. Also, some headsets have an O-ring on one of the pieces which tends to "grab" on to the steerer tube and make it difficult to remove.

You can usually grab the fork legs and the frame and pull and get things apart.

Hope that helps and is not to confusing, sometimes it's hard to describe what I can see in my head!

A quick explanation of headsets (threaded and threadless) is given at the famous Sheldon Brown website.

Ron

i think i know the compression ring hes talking about.

heres what ya have to do: unbolt top cap, loosen stem and remove. from what youve said i suspect your at this stage already. now to loosen the compression ring, all you have to do is give the top of the steerer a good wack with a mallet(or a block of wood and a hammer) and it should drive the fork down a bit. that should enable you to loosen the compression ring, and take the stack off.....thereby allowing you to slide the fork out

Dude, sometimes that is probably a good thing!

Rainman

Rainman - No doubt about that!!!

The advice Biz gave should be simple and effective and much easier to understand than my drivel. Pops, let us know if you are successful.

Yeah its just a bit that sits at the top holding on to the forks ill give it a nice tendor wack when i get me new forks.