Headset bearings for specialized tarmac comp 2015 .

[MerlinT]

Hello, this is my first post so please go easy ☺
I have had movement in the front bearings for the past couple of rides. I bought a set specific to my bike and dismantled the front forks. I then found what I think was a fused and deteriorated former bearing cartridge. I removed this with difficulty and then had to deal with what I think was a fused crown race, please see picture. My question is whether anybody has had this happen to them before and how did you resolve the issue? And where and how do I know which crown race is compatible? Many thanks for any good advice here, as I'm desperate to get back on the road 🚴

 

[iluvmybike]

The crown race is probably not 'fused' they are a tight fit and are fitted using a crown race fitting tool to make sure they are properly seated. You don't need to remove that part unless the race is damaged - if you run a ball point pen around the surace you can feel for pitting - if it is only small then you prob get away with it with cartridge bearings - if it is bad you won't. You'd need to buy a complete headset rather than just bearings if your crown race is shot. If you do need to remove the crown race then there is a crown race removal tool - this is safer than attacking yuor expensive form with a screw driver and hammer! Your LBS will have one so go and ask nicely and take cakes... Avoid this in future by keeping bearings in good condition rather than let them wear to the extent they can damage the race face - remove the fork & bearings and clean & re-grease regularly

 

[MerlinT]

Thank you for your advice. I did indeed go with the hammer and screw driver as the race had completely fused due to neglect. Time to start afresh so I've ordered a new headset from specialised, £75, but at least I know that they will be compatible. I'll maintain headset every year to avoid this happening again! Thanks again 👍🏼

 

[Smokin Joe]

Before fitting the new crown race (Actually just a locating ring for the cartridge, not a "Race" at all) cut a slot in it. This will make it east to slip on and off in future.

 

[MerlinT]

Before fitting the new crown race (Actually just a locating ring for the cartridge, not a "Race" at all) cut a slot in it. This will make it east to slip on and off in future.

Thanks Smokin Joe, that sounds like good advice. Am I right in thinking that there are no special tools needed for fitting these parts? The locating ring/race simply sits above the chamfer at the bottom of the post? Many thanks 🚴

 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks Smokin Joe, that sounds like good advice. Am I right in thinking that there are no special tools needed for fitting these parts? The locating ring/race simply sits above the chamfer at the bottom of the post? Many thanks 🚴

The locating ring will slide down to the bottom of the steerer tube and fit snugly on top of the fork crown. Without splitting the ring (Some manufacturers do supply a split ring with their sets) You'll need to find a stiff tube to hammer it down. You are right about not needing special tools, one or at the most two Allen keys will be enough have bars and stem fitted.

One word of warning (There is a separate thread on this), before you fit the rear brake cable the bars are free to swing when you lift the bike up and they will slam against the top tube knocking a lump of paint off. Wind some bubble wrap or a thick rag round the tube first, or tie the front wheel to the down tube in the straight ahead position with a toe strap.

And no, I am not going to tell you how I know this

 

[MerlinT]

Brilliant, thanks Joe, that is priceless information. The tip to avoid chipping paint is much appreciated too, we only do these things once but it's good to share. Always learning, cheers Joe 🚴

 

[MerlinT]

Brilliant, thanks Joe, that is priceless information. The tip to avoid chipping paint is much appreciated too, we only do these things once but it's good to share. Always learning, cheers Joe 🚴

 

[MerlinT]

Hi, I'm advancing nicely with the job though I can not find info on the specific crown race for my tarmac carbon forks. A fellow at the bike shop told me they would be specific to the forks but I'm seeing similar ones on the net. Has anyone experience of buying or sourcing crown races?
Many thanks in advance