I've installed a few headsets myself with no issues. Currently, I am putting together a budget bike for a sibling. The frameset came with this headset, which came with no instructions. Below, you'll see the pic of everything minus the cups (already pressed into frame) and a set of bearings.

I cannot figure out which way it's supposed to go on. I thought that washer (on the very far side) was the crown race, but it's just a flat washer so I don't think it is. The part already on the steerer tube holds the bearings (not pictured). The other parts go on the other side. I am guessing I am putting this together right. Let me know if I'm heading in the right direction. Thanks.

I assembled a headset like that once. When I was finished, the steering was really bad. Couldn't figure it out so took it to the LBS. They said I put the ring with the ball bearrings in upside down. So if it goes together for you but doesn't work right, try flipping the ball bearings over.

looks like you need to install the crown race on the fork. the piece on the fork does not look like it belongs their. goto the park tool site and refresh yourself on headsets. dont forget the grease

OH I see it now!! the part you have on the steerer is the upper cup, how you got it that far down is beyond me. or this this a threadless steerer?

OK the part lying under the bearing have to go on the fork first. it is the crown race, mentioned by reptilezs, it fits really tight so you made need to get a LBS to help.

then put the bearings on the race and slide it into the frame and install the upper cup.

UH can you post a pic of the parts in the headtube?

That fork has the crownrace missing, w/o it wont work.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry, forgot to mention, this is a threadless headset.

Here is the pic of everything that came with it. As you can see, the cups are already pressed in.



All assembled.


So, after I get the crown race, which side is supposed to be on the bottom and which on top? I'm assuming the part I had on the fork is the correct part, but I need a crown race on there before I put that in? Makes me just want to go get a Cane Creek S3 and be done with it.

Thanks.

Bianchigirli - The washer you see next to the part you're talking about---does that go on there first? It was packaged that way. Not entirely sure what that washer does...

no the washer goes on top of everything before the stem

Thanks!! All put together now. You guys are great!