Headset sizing problems w/ Bottechia CF...
 

I got in on the BD Bottecchia CF frameset GB and per the recommendation and posts of several BF members I got the Cane Creek IS2 headset. So I had it installed but the upper bearing is a bit too thick or too tall so there is a gap between the top of the head tube and the upper cover. Bottom bearing seats fine.

Is anyone else having this problem on the Bottechia frames? If you corrected it, what did you do? Does the headtube need to be reamed and faced? Did you use a "shorter" bearing? If so, which one and what size? Details please.

I asked my LBS that installed it for me and they said the CC headsets are like that so I shouldn't worry about the gap/space. I'd like to get a second opinion as I don't want more than normal dirt and stuff to get in there.

I know others are having this problem so any help you can provide would help us all.

Thanks!

Anyone have a similar problem on the Pedal Force frames as well since they are similar in dimensions?

I'm also having issues with the bearings. I purchased a CC IS-2, and the bearings do not fit into the cups in the headtube at all. The headtube measures just under 41mm in diameter. and the bearings are about 41.8mm.

Can't tell you if it sticks out of the headtube or not, I can't even get it in.

Mine was able to slide right in. But is too tall. Sounds like we are having two problems with the frame and headset. One being too tall and another being too wide.

jinws, maybe they sent you the IS-2i bearing by mistake for Campy equipped bikes? I thought I read somewhere on that the IS2i is a bit wider. I've also read that the some people had the same prob as you and carefully forced the bearing in. Not sure if you are brave enough to try it though.

BTW, the screws on the water bottle holders were super tight on my frame. I ended up stripping the bolts on the downtube(?)! Sucks! I'm batting 0 for 2 so far! :(

My friend is getting a Bott frame and I will be doing the build. I will let you know any problems. Just another reason integrated headsets suck....

OK Mike, here's your chance to prove the doubters wrong.

I say take the frame back to your LBS and ..... oh wait.. nevermind

Last year I had the same issue with a Pedal Force RS frame (essentially the same as the Bottechia) and a Cane Creek IS6 headset.

I emailed PF about the issue and attached a picture of someone elses' built PF RS which showed the same gap. Here is their reply:

I've logged many miles on my RS and I have had the headset out and not seen any evidence of contamination. The bearing fits tightly in the upper cup. The upper cover uses an o-ring in the center which tightly seals around the steerer tube.

The upper cover rotates freely with the bearings and steer tube. If it were to contact the headtube then you would have problems. I guess the LBS was correct in that Cane Creek headsets are like this by design.

That's weird - I just posted a thread with a similar issue. My LBS is having difficulty finding the correct headset for my ZX3. Will the CC IS6 work?

Well, I called Cane Creek and the rep. thinks my problem sounds like the wrong bearings were shipped. I might have the IS-2i Italian standard bearings. I'm going to call back with the bearing part number to confirm. If that is the case, I expect CC to ship me some new bearings.

The little gap above the headtube is normal. It happens to the PF frames too.

It is noted a bunch of times in this thread

http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=273251

The IS2 and IS6 will work the same. I just purchased the IS6 when I built my PF since it was on sale.

G,

How big is the gap? Are both the upper and lower bearings the same height? I am wondering if they are different. Damn that sucks.

The other G

Hey G1,

The lower seats perfectly. There is a 1mm or so gap on the top but it was posted earlier that it wasn't a problem on a prior build. So being that I'm impatient I think I'll continue with the build.

Although I stripped the hex bolts on the bottle cage bolts on the downtube. Any experience with getting those off Gary? The bolts on the seat tube are fine though. But I swapped them out with the other bike since the hex hole(?) is larger and won't easily strip.

I also need a 10spd cassette to finish off the build once my FD and RD come in. :)

Thanks for the help everyone!
Gary2

Hope your batting average is better in softball...:D Sorry, that was too good to pass up.

Anyway, if I remember right, the bolts have round heads which make it difficult to grip it with a pair of vise grip. If the hole is not too rounded, see if you can insert the next size wrench in there. Also, maybe try to wedge a flat head screwdriver into the hole. Just remember to protect that frame.

edit: HomeDepot and Sears have screw extractor if it comes to that.

I have the same gap using the same headset and the Leader 796R carbon frame. I tried to use a rubber o-ring to fit over the gap but all the ones I found where too small and made the steering stiff, so I took it off. Everything else about the headset fits and works fine.

with the ring:

http://home.comcast.net/~rendus/leader13.jpg

bump.

prove what to what doubters?

what do you think?

Editted cuz at this point I just dont care anymore.

...or call Bottecchia direct...factory rep will help.




:eek:

Editted cuz at this point I just dont care anymore.

Sounds like poor quality control at the factory to me..

ok, problem solved. I recieved the wrong parts. has nothing to do with the frame. Mike did reply to my PMs and answered my concerns.

For those that are not with BD's return/refund solution, I'm curious, what are some solution that would make you happy?

mike?