Author Topic: Recommend a headset press (Read 2598 times)

fruitcake · « **on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:10:36 pm »

I have a couple of steel frames and I'll be installing steel headsets in them during the next couple of weeks. This job is possible with a hammer and wooden blocks, but I expect a press would offer more control and make the job easier. Reviews/recommendations would be welcome.

Karla · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:13:26 pm »

A bit of threaded rod, a couple of appropriate nuts and some washers big enough to press on the edges of your headset cups

Biggsy · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:16:45 pm »

Cyclus - very beefy without costing huge money like Park's. (Hope you're not vegetarian).

hatler · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:23:04 pm »

Another vote for the Cyclus here. Absolutely does the job.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:34:41 pm »

Cyclus.

henshaw11 · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:43:38 pm »

Cyclus

Sergeant Pluck · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 June, 2017, 10:46:06 pm »

Threaded rod home-spun job will work but if by chance the rod is not perfectly straight or some of the threading is a bit off, there is a risk that the races won’t end up perfectly parallel.

I’ve used a home made version but the Cyclus gives much more confidence - very solid. Worth it for £40.

Vince · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 June, 2017, 11:00:53 pm »

A Record sash cramp.

jiberjaber · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 June, 2017, 06:45:35 am »

It cost me £5 at my local indi bike repair place... this was after trying to push home the headset using my home made threaded bar clamp which resulted in a couple of chips to the paint due to the extremely close tolerances on Hope headsets making it difficult. I wish I had spent that £5 sooner!

robgul · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 June, 2017, 07:19:05 am »

Cyclus or see http://www.beewee.org.uk/generaldocs/briefings/robsbriefings-2.pdf for a home-brewed tool (before I bought a Cyclus)

That said if you came to the shop where I work part-time with the frame (without forks) and new headset we'd take the old cups out with the correct tool, clean the headtube and insert the new cups for about a tenner while you wait

Rob

rogerzilla · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 June, 2017, 12:56:57 pm »

I've used the hammer and block of wood method with no problems but wouldn't do it on anything but a steel headset. Have also used the threaded rod and washers but it's awkward. Then I bought a Cyclus press.

A fork crown race setter is still needed unless you have a split crown race. They are not too expensive compared to a headset press. Any heavy tube that just fits over the steerer will work but you have to find one; old frame tubes aren't really heavy enough but an oversize steel steerer from a scrap fork is more hefty and might fit (the ID is not standardised). You'll never find one for a 1 1/8" headset, though.

loadsabikes · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 June, 2017, 01:22:31 pm »

I cannot recall where you are based Mr Cake, but if you are anywhere near
Rutland, I can press said races in for you

rogerzilla · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 June, 2017, 01:42:15 pm »

Is anything near Rutland?

Christophe · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 June, 2017, 03:14:59 pm »

Quote from: jiberjaber on 22 June, 2017, 06:45:35 am

It cost me £5 at my local indi bike repair place... this was after trying to push home the headset using my home made threaded bar clamp which resulted in a couple of chips to the paint due to the extremely close tolerances on Hope headsets making it difficult. I wish I had spent that £5 sooner!

Where's that then? I have a homebrew jobby but about to install an expensive headset on my new frame and rather not bodge it.

jiberjaber · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 June, 2017, 03:25:26 pm »

Spokes Chelmsford (just up Beehive Lane in the little industrial estate opps the karate school)

Christophe · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 June, 2017, 07:15:03 pm »

Quote from: jiberjaber on 22 June, 2017, 03:25:26 pm

Spokes Chelmsford (just up Beehive Lane in the little industrial estate opps the karate school)

Cheers Jibber. Looking at the headset it has a nice bevelled edge so might slip in quite neatly. Will have a go and if it doesn't work will be a trip to spokes.

jiberjaber · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 June, 2017, 10:49:43 pm »

I thought the same and chipped the paint on mine... Good spend of £5!

rogerzilla · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 June, 2017, 10:05:22 pm »

You can get an excellent headset cup remover (aka rocket tool) on eBay for about £14 for the other end of the job. It makes things rather easier than using a long screwdriver and a hammer. Just pull it though the head tube until it clicks and whack it a few times with a mallet. The tool most people do without is the crown race remover, because there isn't a single tool that works on all frames and they normally come off ok with some gentle tapping.

fruitcake · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 June, 2017, 04:16:09 pm »

Thanks for the tips and the recommendations. It looks like Cyclus is the clear favourite for a headset press. Although I expect I'd be fine using a rod-and-washers press, the collective wisdom of YACF says a proper press makes the job easier. I've had no problems removing headset cups and installing crown races using spare tubing.

Do you know of a UK retailer of Cyclus? (My Google fu turns up RoseBikes in Germany, but I'd need to order a few items from Rose to make the shopping costs worthwhile.)

hatler · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 June, 2017, 04:38:14 pm »

Cyclestore

fuaran · « **Reply #20 on:** 24 June, 2017, 04:49:49 pm »

Or Merlin, £43. https://www.merlincycles.com/cyclus-headset-press-92123.html

Note there's 2 sizes - either for 1" and 1 1/8", or for 1.5". So make sure you are buying the correct version.

fruitcake · « **Reply #21 on:** 25 June, 2017, 10:00:46 am »

Thanks. I've just ordered the Cyclus press from Merlin.