Split Crown Race - better than a normal one?

[e-rider]

I've noticed that some Headsets (Hope, some FSAs etc.) now come with a split crown race. Apart from the obvious advantage of not requiring any expensive fitting tools (as they just push on... and off) do they perform as well as a normal pressed-on crown race?

Surely, they must be prone to twisting!!??!!

 

[one-eyed_jim]

Headsets that use a split crown race also use cartridge bearings. The race is really just a seating ring for the cartridge. The preload on the headset makes the split conical ring grip the fork. Since the steering torque goes into turning the wheel, there's no reason for the ring to twist.

 

[Dave5N]

A great first post!

 

[e-rider]

I've been in touch with FSA and they say that they are no longer producing new headsets with split crown races because there are some 'tolerance' issues!

 

[Monty Dog]

With todays wider, integrated crown forks, getting a non-split crown race off is going to be a right pain as it doesn't have any 'overhang' over the crown. Means you're going to have to be careful with a screwdriver to try and prise if off without taking a chunk out of the fork.