headset
 

I installed a brand new Tange Passage headset on my latest build. I installed the caged bearings exactly as indicated in the instructions, and could not adjust that headset. So today I took it apart and flipped them both over. BANG! It seems odd that they would have tthe bearings reversed in their instructions.
And while we're here......I installed my second set of press fit headset races. The bottom one went right in, but the top took some effort. It didn't want to go in straight, and it didn't want to go in all the way. My question is this. If that cup was somehow too big for the head tube, would I have the strength to bulge the head tube by trying to force it in? I was using a home made headset press.
As always, thanks in advance.

Just looked at the instructions in my Tange Levin and you are correct, looks like the top bearing is illustrated upside down. Hard to be sure, not much detail.
The online instructions look OK.
http://www.sjscycles.com/Instruction...structions.pdf

Yes, you can damage a head tube by trying to install a mis-sized headset or if the head tube is not properly reamed out to size. Since this C+V I assume the frame is steel. If it doesn't look extended it is probably OK but I'd check it out carefully before riding to be sure.

Yes, lugged steel ^^

You may have been installing 30.2 mm headset cups into a frame whose head tube is sized for 30.0 mm (JIS) headset cups. Sometimes they'll go in without TOO much of a fight. If I remember correctly, Sheldon Brown's page even says it's OK to put 'em in despite the mismatch. But it's been my experience that they can put of a heck of a fight, and I wouldn't be surprised if people have damaged headsets and frames trying to make 'em fit.

I learned about the 30.2/30.0 sizing difference when installing a headset on my daughter's Fuji SJ-10. Those cups were a #$%& to get in and get straight. Luckily, I don't seem to have permanently damaged anything. Here's hoping that new headset lasts longer than I do.

Thanks for the input. The fact that the bottom cup slid right in leads me to believe I have the correct size. There is some paint in there, from the repaint, and I'm guessing that's what caused it to be so tight. I sanded it a bit, but didn't want to go so far as to make it out of round.