So I just got a used Soma Rush that has a IRD Techno Glide installed. I have a suspicion that I'm missing a washer or something like that.

If you have this headset, could you give me a parts breakdown of what could be missing once the headset has been installed? Like what parts are loose and could go missing (i.e., washers, grooved rings, etc). I just want to get a sense of what I'm missing, if anything, so I can try to get a replacement.

I wish IRD had an exploded parts diagram online.

Thanks!

From the bottom up: crown race, upper and lower cups, upper and lower cartridge bearings, compression ring, upper top cup, star nut & top cap.

So is the compression ring that little ring that has grooves on it and slots into the cup with the ball bearings?

Thanks so much! Is there anything really in the lower bearing cup that can get lost (as in the assembly that is at the bottom of the headtube). And finally, I'm not sure that I have cartridge bearings as I can see the ball in the cup. I always that that was a normal cup-type bearing (excuse my lack of technical knowledge here).

Are you sure you have a Techno Glide? Maybe post a pic?

Here's a better view...just replace "Bearing retainer" with Cartridge.

If they are cartridge bearings, you shouldn't be able to see the little ball bearings.

i'll be back with pictures in 20 minutes

Ok so I couldn't get the pictures to work properly but here is the link to the album: https://picasaweb.google.com/aakash....eat=directlink

am I missing the crown race? Or if i was missing that wouldn't the balls just fall out?

Yeah, there's no crown race on that fork. Also, in the second picture it looks like you're holding a bearing retainer without any bearings.

Do yourself a favor and drop the 30 bucks on a Cane Creek S-3 or something. Don't waste any more time on that headset.

[EDIT]: Looking at the photos again and it looks like the crown race is sitting inside the lower headset cup... the pictures are terrible.

I don't ever recall IRD Tencho Glide being loose ball, did you get it used? Maybe someone swapped out the cartridge and ripped you off.

Nah I'm pretty sure it's the original Tange stuff, I'm looking at a Tange catalogue and it looks the same.. I think I'm missing the crown race and a seal. Damn if I know where to get those...

I think I'll just end up having the headset removed and another installed.

https://www.rsi-cycles.com/docs_non_a...0Catalogue.pdf

It's junk. Buy a new headset with cartridge bearings.

Got any recommendations? I was looking at just getting another Technoglide, they are quite pricey at around $70 though.

I've owned a Cane Creek S-3 and a Woodman Axis Comp SL. I liked both, tho I had an issue with the Cane Creek when I installed the upper bearing upside down. The Woodman is a very nice headset as well, tho the top cap and star nut are affixed using a torx bolt. I need to get around to correcting that.

what about the s-2?: https://www.amazon.com/Cane-Creek-Hea...8626692&sr=1-3

I got my technoglide for like 50 bucks, it's smooth as hell, i'd drop the money for it again.

OP needs a 1" headset. Cane Creek S-2 is another good suggestion.

Doh.