There is not enough space for the headset washer, is this part optional?
 

Hi,
I´m assembling my old colnago from 1985 with a campagnolo super record headset.
I have problem with the space ring/washer. There is not enough space on the fork for it.
Is this part very important or can I install everyting and just skip the washer?
I dont know what to do else if I cant use the campa headset.

Image
http://s7.postimg.org/drxu6zf2j/bild.jpg

Thanks!
/Robert

Skip the washer, if it doesn't fit. But MAKE SURE you have enough threads engaging on the top locknut. Sounds like your steerer tube may be a bit too short?

It just makes headset adjustment easier.

If you have two headset wrenches (or a normal spanner big enough for the locknut), you can do without it.

+1. Take the stem out so you can see how much gap between top of steerer and lip of the locknut.

I like that gap to be as small as possible but still exist.

If your fork has a keyway, and it's a keyed washer, it plays a role in keeping the headset tight. OTOH if there's no keyway or keyed washer, than the washer serves no purpose at all, and you won't miss.

BTW- Record headsets are among the tallest on the market, so you always have the option of switching to a lower stack headset, including more modern Campy models.

Chris King makes threaded 1" headsets with stack heights as low as 33.0 mm. Campy's web site says the Record threaded headset has a stackheight of 36.5 mm so the CK gets you the extra space you need.

Going downscale a bit, Tange's Vantage DL 1" threaded headset has a stackheight of only 32.8 mm.

The OP referenced a Super Record headset. I assume it's of roughly the same vintage as the bike, or from 1985. If so, that's a fairly tall headset with a stack height of about 44mm (from memory and may be off a bit). That leaves the OP plenty of choices in headsets, since just about all modern headsets are less than 40mm stack.

IMO it's more accurate to say it makes it easier to precisely adjust the headset by preventing the cup (or cone, depending on the design) from turning as the locknut is tightened, requiring a single spanner instead of two; if it's making the difference between the headset coming loose and not, the locknut is too loose.

As an aside, I like a keyed washer in a threaded headset (if it's surrounded by a lip to prevent the tang popping out of the slot and mashing threads), but I don't like em on hubs - they totally interfere with the very-quick-and-only-slightly-dirty technique I've refined over the years for setting hub bearings. Doesn't work on headsets, I suspect because of the much greater thread surface area.

My fork has not a key way (nothing I can see on the thread), but the washer is keyed. The gap is about 1-2mm between top of steerer and lip of the locknut when mounted.
So based on all great answers I dont need to use the washer. Sure I can buy a new headset but this is in great condition and it would be great if I could use it.

I know there is colnago headsets on ebay from this period, wonder what the stack height is on them?

For example
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Headset-Coln...item2a2c83ce2f

Id , in those situations... like a Steel locknut , record vs super record's alloy one ,
to have stronger thread surfaces.. but that's just me..

Touring bike it was Tange over CK, at the time..

No, that is incorrect. One should always use two wrenches. The purpose of the key on the washer is to prevent movement of one part inducing movement in the other, and to insure that proper preload is maintained when the locknut it tightened. The washer is not designed to take the stress of tightening.

In that case that washer can't be used unless you grind off the internal tab or replace it with a washer with no tab.

If FBinNY is correct and your Super Record headset dates from the bike, than nearly any modern headset will provide plenty of stackheight clearance.

Do you mean a steel locknut does the job better?

Thats correct, the super record headset dates from the same time as the bike. I think it´s fun to restore it like it was from the beginning. Someone changed the headset to a shimano 105 which I think looks ugly on this bike. If I can use this super record headset whithout the washer theres is no need for a modern headset yet, but it´s good to know

Those aluminum SR spacers were pretty thick. 3 mm? If you'd like to try to keep the advantages of a washer, a thin, chromed Record washer might allow it, if you have the room.