Loose headset cup help

[ishaw]

Just taken delivery of s bike I plan to build up for my 9 year old.

On reassembly, I noticed that the lower headset cup can fall out. Frame doesn't seem damaged or show any cracks (orange gringo), the headset cup (wtb momentum) does show signs of wear, with the powder coat worn and the alloy showing through.

Is this enough to make the headset loose do we think, and another headset will be fine?

What do the masses think?

 

[TOMAS]

Difficult to say, however likely a slightly stretched or ovalized headtube me thinks. Best to get it measured with a set of decent calipers measure front/back and side/side and then compare against measurements of top of headtube perhaps? Several options IMO, re-fit with some Loctite shaft locker, or replace with a hardcore style lower headset cup that has a deeper insert and may get a better purchase, I think something along the lines of FSA PIG or something like that. HOWEVER as you say this is for use by your 9 year old, depending what sort of rider they are, you can always opt for the fit and forget solution?

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Thanks. It was too late to try an alternate headset, will try over the weekend.

It's not likely to see any xc action, just want to ensure it's safe. Will take a closer look un daylight tomorrow with fresh eyes.

 

[Frankenorange]

I am in the same boat and also with an Orange. Mine is an O2 from 97/98. Cant remember the year they made them.

The headtube top and bottom is quite thick and the headtube bore isnt ovalised. Before putting it together i ran a nylon hand pad round the bore, top and bottom, to get rid of some paint and the cups press in by hand very easily. Tbh press is what i would like. Mine pretty much fall out. The headset is a Crank Brothers Immodium or called something like that.

Maybe Orange went towards the upper end of tolerances and CB went low which is my problem but could an Orange expert be able to say if it is common to orange frames or maybe a period or models that this happened? . Of course it could be the CB cups are machined badly and are too small and even though the box looked pukka its a fake. I dunno.

Looking into the deep cup thing myself and i found the Chris King steelset, and FSA DH pig. Would be nice to find a list of options with cup depths.

All the best

Carl

Ps. Thank you again for the steerer tube. Has worked a treat.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

No worries on the steerer tube.

I did have a similar issue with a ti framed Raleigh. My preferred headset for the build (king) would push in by hand, as would a few others. Someone on here learnt me a collection of headsets to try, and I found one that fitted properly. It wasnt deep cup, so maybe tolerances are at play here (pun intended).

 

[mk one]

A loose fitting headset cup is a danger to the frame, obviously if the frame fails then its then a danger to the rider. The headset cant fall out once assembled but can break the frame from movement during use.

Headset cups are different sizes like seatposts, regardless of what it says on it, the same can be said for headtubes. Best to measure and find one that fits properly, from what i remember CK headsets are on the large size, but an expensive option.

Mark

 

[TOMAS]

Re:

With regards the above, I agree with Mark, that when all said and done a loose headset cup can eventually ruin a frame, I however would be very surprised if it just suddenly failed. Each to their own but if it were me I'd just keep a close eye on it, you will see a physical rocking/movement as it gets worse, then the inevitable crack growing from bottom of headtube upwards. In my youth I've ovalized a few headtubes but never had one suddenly let go on me and that was with stunt riding and fair abuse, I wouldn't expect that from your nipper TBH...

 

[ishaw]

Re:

Good news. I dropped the old cup.out and tried a new one I had laying idle. It required much more force to get it some way in, will need a press to get it all the way, so it looks like the old cup was worn or poor tolerance.

Excellent.

 

[drcarlos]

The headset is a Crank Brothers Immodium or called something like that.

You should be fine with one of these. They designed to stuff things falling out the bottom :shock:

Carl

 

[Frankenorange]

The headset is a Crank Brothers Immodium or called something like that.

You should be fine with one of these. They designed to stuff things falling out the bottom :shock:

Carl