Headset cup falls out

[FignonLeGrand]

Hi There,

I have a nice gios steel frame, when I removed the headset it came with (bike is at least second hand, 80s version of the compact frame) the bottom cup was not fitted properly and was not flush. The upshot is that the replacement cup can be fitted by hand with no pressure required and can fall out. Any one any idewas on how I might remedy this? I have thought about having it brazed or something on the inside and then reamed to right size , howver I casn only imagine this will cost a lot and the frame might not be worth it.

ideas ? thanks.

 

[MR_Sarcastic]

Epoxy?

Sound like the head tube was deformed some. As long as there aren't any cracks, it should be sound. You may have to bond the lower cup in. Use a headset tool (or make one) to hold the cup in straight, while the epoxy dries.

 

[brianf7]

Dosnt sound too bad dose it work when you install it all and tighten it up or dose it stick when turning the bars if not and no wobble leave it alone .

Otherwise get a frame builder to look at it.

 

[krebs303]

At the motorcycle frame shop we would use a hammer (rawhide mallet) and dolly

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Hi There,

I have a nice gios steel frame, when I removed the headset it came with (bike is at least second hand, 80s version of the compact frame) the bottom cup was not fitted properly and was not flush. The upshot is that the replacement cup can be fitted by hand with no pressure required and can fall out. Any one any idewas on how I might remedy this? I have thought about having it brazed or something on the inside and then reamed to right size , howver I casn only imagine this will cost a lot and the frame might not be worth it.

ideas ? thanks.

Chris King sells oversized headset cups for ovalized, stretched, damaged headtubes. Go see yer LBS that understands CK and bicycles.

 

[JayKosta]

If the new cup is aligned properly, that makes it much easier.

Depending on how 'loose' the fit is you might be able to get-by with locktite, or maybe use a center punch to raise burrs around the OD to get a tighter fit in the headtube.
If it is very loose, then maybe use very thin brass shims - go to a hobby store that sells RC car/plane stuff - they might have a package of brass shim stock that would work.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[Altig_Fan]

Epoxy does the trick

Use epoxy.

1. Mix epoxy per instructions
2. Apply on contact area on both the frame and the cup. Keep the inside of the cup clean (tape it if desired)
3. Gently press the cup back into the frame, squeezing as little adhesive as possible. Remove excess epoxy if needed, providing clearance for fork
4. Wait 24 hours, remove the tape and you are good to go

I had the same issue with my ELF BMX bike [Chromoly 4130 steel] about 20 years ago. I could turn the cup with my fingers. It was just an annoyance. After we glued the cup in, I was able to ride it with no issues. Don't ask me how to get it back out though...I sold the bike after 2 years.

Good luck!

 

[tony chen]

i think you could caibon headset