Rinko Headsets
 

My S&S coupled bike would fit MUCH better in its case if I could remove the fork. It is a 1991 Bridgestone RB-1 with a 1" threaded fork and I was considering having a local framebuilder make me a new steel threadless fork. I was looking at the Velo Orange site and saw that they had Rinko Headsets from Japan. These headsets come with cartridge bearings and are designed to be removed without tools.

Anyone have any experience with these? BTW, the problem I am having is that with the fork attached in the S&S case, the freewheel rubs against the downtube and has scratched through the powdercoating to the bare metal, and yes, I am using the tube protectors. If I could remove the fork, it would all fit.

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What is S&S coupled? I'm so confused without pictures. I can't picture how a freewheel would hit a frame tube.

It's the same 110 BCD 48t ring AFAICT, so if you ask nicely they can probably do you a drillium triple no problem.

Okay, that picture makes perfect sense now. What about something hard like a piece of pvc pipe that would fit over the the downtube fairly snugly work? I'm thinking a long piece, nearly as long as the downtube itself. pvc pipe would be hard enough to protect it yet since it is plastic, it shouldn't damage the paint.

The OP added pictures, but FYI S&S is a brand name for a coupler (close up photo) that allows frames to be taken apart. It's a high quality item, that has to be built in or installed by a qualified frame builder, but once installed the frame is as good as an uncoupled frame except for the added weight. These are especially popular with folks who travel with high end bicycles, and I've seen tandems built with 2 sets that allow break down into 3 smallish sections.

To the OP, you might be better off using a sheet of foam packing material. These come in a range of thicknesses up to 1/2" or so, and are effective padding in situations like yours. Usually this stuff comes in large rolls so it might be impossible to buy in small quantities. We use this stuff to pack delicate stuff, so if you'd like to try some, I'll send you a few sheets cut from the roll if you'll pay the $2.00 postage.

FB in NY, I appreciate the offer! I need a new headset anyway so I ordered the Rinko from Velo Orange. No one here seems to have any experience with them, so I'll post my impressions after I take it on a few tripe.

What about removing the freewheel?

Removing the freewheel was the other possibility. This is a frewheel not a cassette, the problem is I have often had to resort to putting my freewheel remover in a vice to get enough torque to remove it. I would have to carry a freewheel remover AND a very large wrench to get sufficient leverage to remove it. As it is, with my bike, tools, shoes and assorted accessories, my S&S case is right at 49.5 lbs of the 50 lb airline imposed limit. :(

How about a length of vacuum cleaner hose over the downtube? You could line it with a sock.

Prolly take you to 49.9lbs :p

S&S coupled bikes should come with rolls of Velcro-edged padding that you cut to length and wrap over every frame tube before packing. My Co-Motion single came with plenty of this protective padding and I custom cut and labeled lengths to let me protect the frame from just the kind of damage the OP reports.

S&S sells this padding if your bike didn't include it. http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_cover.htm

HillRider, the damage shown here was done by the freewheel THROUGH the padding!!!. I think it may have occurred when TSA re-packed the bike and they forced it into the case.

http://www.abikelife.com/wp-content/...831_220203.jpg

One of the best things I've found for protecting frames in transit is PVC sump pump line. It comes in large diameters, plain or reinforced. Buy a foot or two of the right diameter at a hardware store, then slit it lengthwise so you can fit it on a frame tube at a critical place. Keep it inplace with a wire tie, string or tape.

Foam pipe insulation works great for me. You can find it at home centers and hardware stores. It's cheap, too.

That Rinko headset is just a modern copy of an ancient Stronglight P-3.

Most any flexible tube designed to have stuff sucked through it will be sturdy enough for the job, I bet.

Rinko is not the Answer
 

Unfortunately, on my first trip with my shiny new Rinko Headset, I tightened so tight (by hand) that I cannot remove it by hand. Totally defeats the purpose. I guess I'll have to use a normal headset and carry the tools :(

This Rinko thing may just work :)
 

I discovered that once I removed the stem, I was able to loosen the headset by hand. Maybe this will work out. :thumb:

Any more thoughts on the Rinko headset after some extended use? I just had a 1" threaded JIS Rinko installed on a 1985 Miyata mtn bike -- because it's the only sealed bearing cartridge headset that I could find for that vintage -- and was wondering how they hold up.

Grand Cru Rinko Headset-JIS

BTW VO has a 20% off sale on until the 15th.

Very happy with the Rinko! it really solved my packing problem and it is simple to remove.