How To Change Your Road Bike Headset and Forks

[@alanmayes6822]

Dan, you may have moved onto the Hotseat and the bright lights of GCN presenting but this video remains one of the most valuable things you have created. Just replaced my headset and your step by steps instructions were perfect :)

[@chrissdehaan]

This was shorter, but clearer, and with more information, than 2 other videos I watched. Well done.

[@docsportello5833]

Centering collar was the magic word for me….thank you so much!

[@Krigarar]

This is a golden tip people: take photos!

[@henrlima87]

Yes. For anything you do, always take "before" photos. This way, if you make a mistake or arent sure, you can always refer to the photos. I do this all the time when repairing/maintaining my car. It has saved me from fucking up more than once.

[@joshmaitie5954]

Suffering from this now....😂😂😂😂😂

[@gie-kun4601]

​@@joshmaitie5954same lol

[@seanmcintyre2589]

Did this job a while back for the first time, this video would have been a god send, with bikes its always a simple job WHEN you know how... Great job GCN

[@johndefalque5061]

Go0od presentation. I just passed a tryout to get a job as a bike mechanic trainee. I need this!

[@benlg9125]

Excellent tutorial, good camera angles and explanation. I was getting play in my headset, tried tightening top cap which didnt help. I reassembled/regreased everything and working perfect now, thanks!

[@gcn]

It's a Norwegian brand called Bruvik, made in Switzerland. Thor Hushovd gave one to each of us in the Cervelo team at the end of the Tour de France in 2010. Dan.

[@thetruebrit85]

Fantastic tutorial & instructional video. Thank you kindly. Really very much appreciated. I'm now sorted & confident enough to remove the Aluminium fork from my 1994 Polished Aluminium Cannondale TT 2.8 22" 650c & replace it with a stunningly beautiful Carbon fibre one. She's gonna look biblical 😂🎉🎉🎉🎉 Thank you

[@adamrobertson7215]

Maybe worth mentioning to check for the ring of death? That's what brought me here, but seems like a simple damage inspection should be part of this tutorial 🙂

[@YipeeKiYayJB]

Cheers. I had been wanting a video clearly and concisely explaining this process and here it is. One question though, are the bearings fairly standardised or do they vary a lot between different makes?

[@wilquorra]

Keep these videos coming, they're amazing!

[@cameronlesley2428]

Thanks for this helpful video. I now understand why I had some spare parts left over.

[@Dani2wheels]

I think it should be noted that this is a threadless, integrated headset. Older bikes with non-integrated sets require special tools and techniques to replace the cups. Great video and good tips though!

[@jackhargreaves1911]

That explains why the flat head screwdriver isn’t working…!

[@gcn]

Hi Joel, that's the star fangled nut as it's called. I had the same thing happen a little while back, and it's a bike shop job I reckon. Not expensive though fortunately :-)

[@mrcodhead67]

Identifying the correct replacement headset is a nightmare, although Cane Creek do a headset finder to help most of the way there . . good or bad guessing finishes the job

[@syrus3k]

This is very, very true. I'm on my third attempt now, had to contact the bike manufacturer and order through them as there are headsets that differ by 10ths of a mm... arrrg.

[@rahzi]

This was good ain’t gonna lie thx

[@paulhargreaves1497]

That's a great video.....much easier than reading it in a book!

[@wordsisnukes]

incredibly informative and essential. thank you.

[@yourtimeforheroes]

Thats how the cable the bikes in Europe. If you ride a motorcycle, you'll notice that the front brake=right hand. It makes more sense in some regards. MOst braking power comes from front brake. It makes sense because your right hand is also stronger ( in the case of right handed people) , giving you more braking power.

[@gcn]

Sounds like you need to tighten your headset. It's worth checking the fork for damage too. If you're unsure on any of that, please take it to you local bike shop to make sure that it's safe!

[@leedorney]

The reason brakes are set-up: front left and rear right eurostyle - is so that during races (in the olden times) a rider can brake with the left hand and change up the gear on a DOWN-TUBE lever (remember them lol)...with right hand. Thats as far as I understand it.

[@websurfer1585]

I thought there was a cone shaped nut inside that locked the fork and handlebars in alignment, i remember that being the case on bikes back in the day?

[@BrainSeepsOut]

I really like the new style of headset on bikes. The fewer adjustable wrenches i have to use on my bike, the better.

[@wndllnkpl753]

This is a great help. Thanks man!

[@CesarCuevas-e4b]

Amazing you deserve a new subscriber

[@mass1023]

Great video. Helped a lot! Thanks!

[@prithviraj2354]

Would you make a video of headset bearing measurements

[@pedieasuncion4277]

Buy a measurement ruler for barrings bro

[@pedieasuncion4277]

They have holes drop the barring in to see what the size is

[@BenfleetCycling]

great video gcn !

[@jamesjahmoolahutmorrison4104]

Hi Guys, Thank you for your comments ref bearings. Usually very good with cleaning bike after every ride and drying the bike off, but difficult to keep the bearings dry. I will be busy this weekend:-) James

[@anthonykahwati5999]

Thanks for the video. What does the headset cap bolt screw into? My forks tube is hollow.

[@mirajacharya]

Thanks, this video helped me to repair my fork

[@xosece]

goth, can't believe I am watching this video after 10 years, I wasn't even here on GCN. Lots of water has passed under the bridge since then

[@fhehle]

The steerer on my bike is wider on top, so I cannot pull and remove the fork. Any idea what could be done from there ? Thank you kindly

[@fourtheboys96]

I was confused by the use of the word "Replace". I though he was going to put a new fork and calipers. He was re-installing it. hahaha

[@SupraCCastle]

could you guys do a video on changing your handlebars with all the cables and levers adjustment

[@gcn]

That's a good idea, thanks! I've added it to the big list :-)

[@educationalvideos4151]

I haven’t done this before, just watched 2 videos on it, but I *have* replaced my bottom brackets and cranks with the Hollowtech 2 design, which also uses 2 pinch bolts and a preload cap. That makes me wonder, for the headset, why remove the cap first? Shouldn’t the cap preload be set when the stem bolts are loose? Seems analogous to HT2 non-drive side crank arm.

[@baconfromhell666]

I just removed my fork to clean and lube it, but it was such a pain to get off, I had removed everything and it felt like it was welded on or something, it took several minutes and alot of force to remove. I have had alot of trouble turning the wheel, making the bike really uncomfortable and annoying as well as dangerous, so it was indeed in dire need of some cleaning and such

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Thanks guys!

[@Michael-mp1iu]

The audio isn't quite clear--in the video, is that anti-seize on the headtube itself, and then regular grease on the race? Thanks for the videos guys!

[@gcn]

It says anti-seize on the head tube and grease on the race, but grease on both will do absolutely fine.

[@Michael-mp1iu]

Great--thanks!

[@LambiPowah666]

How do you find the correct type and size on the bearings? Got a pair of open ball bearings on my Trek 6300. Does the cup also need to be replaced at the same time?

[@tuckwellb]

Should all road bikes have a crown race on the front fork, sitting between the fork and the bottom cartridge? I just bought a second hand road bike and changed the cartridges but it doesn't have a crown race.

[@JS-tb9hu]

What is a tapered headset and how is it different to a normal one

[@gcn]

A tapered headset has larger bearings at the bottom than the top, whereas traditional headsets use the same diameter for both. Having a larger bearing increases tube diameters and so stiffness.

[@JS-tb9hu]

Thanks you,guys are the best!

[@ebigarella]

Hey Global Cycling Network , I once asked about a squeaking I had in my headset and coincidentally you were publishing a new video on how to service the headset, which I followed (and took the chance to chop off the fork as well). However the squeaking was still there after mounting back. However, I noticed that when I pedal in wet conditions the noise disappears for a few hours. So it made me wonder... One thing that I didn't put grease on was on the centering collar (aka dust cover aka bearing cover aka dust cap ...), which has an o-ring internally. Do you recommend applying grease there to? (It's an FSA that comes in a Giant TCR). Thanks!!

[@yellowfit8071]

U cleaned, regreased, and put my whole headset back together and since then it has been really loose left to right , I do have a little play but not much , the direction is just to loose and I wish I could be a little more stiff . Do you have any idear how to fix my problem? Btw I used grease between the bearings and fork.

[@adriant.7457]

Shouldn't you undo the bolts on the stem before the ones on the top cap? :D

[@encrusiato7553]

It doesn’t matter

[@Beardboost]

Really like the hub and quick releases, you mind naming the brands and model? thank you

[@gcn]

***** they're the hubs and q/rs from Shimano Ultegra wheels.

[@Beardboost]

Thank you!

[@MaleficoMr.T]

The bearing that goes over the fork... does it have to cover the bearing that goes inside?? In Spanish: La arandela que va sobre la horquilla debe de tapar el ruleman de arriba? Mi horquilla tiene como una circunferencia ancha donde se supone que va la arandela, pero parecería que cierra mejor poniendo la arandela al revés y no entiendo

[@aidanknab8113]

Is it possible to put the fork from one bike onto the frame of a completely different bike? I want to do a bike build with some very specific goals.

[@MrKedab]

Dan, Simon, GCN - did RideLondon on Sunday. It was amazing - question to you all. Can you put together a 'How To' on the types of gym work riders will do to compliment their road training - i live in the fen. it's flat. it's hard to find slopes let alone hills to train on. is there specific work we can do to develop/train the muscles used in climbing...why? i got up Leith Hill on Sunday but it darn well nearly made me cry and if it had been 10 metres longer it would have! cheers all.

[@philiphayton7229]

Great video thanks very much. I need to replace my bearings on my Cannondale Caadx 105. Do you know what size headset bearings I need to buy or is it pretty standardised.

[@gcn]

Not off the top of our heads I'm afraid! However it's generally pretty standard and when you pop the bearings out you should be able to see the diameter on them if you can't find the info online.

[@philiphayton7229]

***** how would you know how much I have ridden? But thanks I will give it a go. I just didn't want to take it apart before I have bought the bearings. A bike mechanic told me I need to do it soon and wanted to just do it myself to save some money.

[@NickelCityPixels]

Re: the brake washer, why is it so important? I can't fit my brakes on using the provided hardware if I include it. :?

[@SimpTooth]

Say what if you have a carbon fork. Would the type of grease depend on the material of the fork or the headset?

[@strlrd1883]

if available, can you direct me to the video that shows how to epoxy glue the aluminum insert on a Cervelo fork? Thx.

[@user-wq1yx3en3x]

Thank you for this!!!!

[@bobbybillionXRP]

Hi! Is there any difference between the White and green lube?

[@edgardolulu2690]

thanks this video I learn to replaced my fork Bike

[@willjameson63]

Hi, my bearing race is very very very stuck, any suggestions on how to get it out without damaging my new forks or bike? 🤔

[@Xenonclouds]

Great vid,but I'd also add always use a torque wrench when tightening, especially on carbon........and to the setting specifically for your fork. :-)

[@Joelknighton]

Ok, I'll do that. thanks for the reply

[@anthonyhindle5762]

Holyyyy shit thank you so much. This video saved me hours of frustration.

[@GPTechno]

There wasn't any need to remove the brake caliper as it wasn't hindering, brake cable loosening is far easier

[@xxxmenxxxms]

Hi Global, there's no bearings in the fork top and bottom...?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@jamesjahmoolahutmorrison4104]

Hi GCN, Finding my front Fork on my Roubaix a little stiff when I first pull the bike out of the shed, also a little clunky. Issue is, the bike has not long been back from its first 6week service. Would the bearings be dry for any reason? Are the bearing already greased up inside? Appreciate you help! Thanks in advance James

[@gcn]

Hi James, It doesn't matter how old your bike is I'm afraid, if you've ridden in wet and wintery conditions and then stored the bike wet, you might find that the bearings will seize. They should be greased to make them weatherproof, but that can go over time, especially in winter. It's a simple job to replace them, or at least check to see what state they are in.

[@viacheslav7477]

Thanks for video! Like

[@abdifarhan8387]

do I have to do anything different if my fork is carbon but the rest out the bike aluminium?

[@Kkeenan461]

I’ve an old steel Raleigh bike, can I put any fork on it?

[@mikeh.b.1544]

nice watch!

[@gamingofthelegend3907]

Since I am replacing my fork could I change it into a disc brake instead of a v brake?

[@BIGL773_]

What does the thin washer do ?

[@samuelhopely4853]

Is it possible to put cartridge bearings on a steerer that didnt come with them?

[@tomaproductions]

Hi GCN Just wondered if you could show me how to remove a traditional headset. My trek madone has a cane creek headset and i just need some guidance on removing it as i have ordered a new integrated fsa one. Cheers

[@gcn]

I imagine that it would be the same as this, to the best of my knowledge all Trek Madones have headsets like this. You'd better check with your local bike shop to make sure the new one will fit okay.

[@tomaproductions]

I'll just take it to a bike shop. I need to remove the cane creek cups and crown race. Soo hard to do.

[@Methnerjacob]

Is this different with a threaded headset? Why do people use a headset press?

[@Hatazhix]

can u please do a tutorial where u replace cracks I got Viking peloton 2012 bike and i cant get it off.

[@alejandrogutierrez9465]

Hey GCN what type of headset are you using ?

[@SS8styles]

My newly purchased frame has a tapered head tube, now I need a tapered headset, and a new fork, sigh.

[@hexonatapeloop]

SoSickWidit there’s always something...

[@luizguilhermetempestaciril1813]

Can I remove the bigest spacer it will up the bearing?

[@Heavytortoise]

Nice watch

[@tuukkapuuronen1364]

Which bearing set was used?

[@LevyS]

that playboy bicycle is very easy to disassemble

[@TheJFS100]

How do you get the crown race off the forks? Is it meant to be hard to remove?

[@gcn]

Yes, it's really a bit tricky. The easiest way is to head to your local bike shop and have them use a Park Tool crown race remover which does the job really safely. Not worth messing with as you could easily damage your forks.

[@gaidenlee]

My fork has a little gap under near the break calipers.. it has play now What kind of technique should I do?

[@gcn]

hi, we suggest you pop to your local bike shop as it's difficult to say without seeing the bike. Jon

[@dongcdfb7c]

I opened up the lower bearing and lost 3 balls, do bikes take any size bearings or is it specific?

[@isaaclee1111]

Ok thanks!!

[@jockotolentino1279]

Why cant i fit my seal after the compression ring? Theres a space between the seal and the headtube.

[@TheRHYSD]

Are all bikes 45/45 type bearings ?

[@thadass]

1:30 You actually do want to loose(n) plenty of bits. What you don't want to do is lose any.

[@Dezzasheep]

Having trouble. I regreased my headset after the cartridge bearings in my trek domane (2014) popped out of the head tube while being transported in a bike box. I can't seem to get rid of a 2-1.5mm gap between the fork and bottom of the head tube. The gap is deffo bigger than before. There's no crown race on the fork and I'm using the same bearings.

[@gcn]

Dezzasheep sounds like you might need to take it apart again, clean the interfaces between the bearings and the headtube/fork and regrease again. Also check the order of all the parts at the top. If in doubt, take it to the LBS, as a gap doesn't sound too good.

[@Dezzasheep]

Global Cycling Network thanks for your reply. I think you're right, a visit to my LBS is the best option. I've regreased and fitted but there's still a gap.... What's thrown me is the carbon (e2) fork doesn't seem to have a crown race. Its simply cartridge bearing on carbon surface.

[@gcn]

Dezzasheep without seeing the bike, and without having performed any maintenance on a Domane, I'm sure how much advice I can give. It does sound a little strange, and I'm sure that you've got a friendly LBS. :)

[@Dezzasheep]

Global Cycling Network no worries... Thanks for your advice :)

[@Kie-7077]

Clothes peg to keep brake washer in place, perhaps.

[@ThisIZ2Funny]

How easy is it to clean?

[@glyngoll]

Just like to mention at 1'30" it should be "LOSE" and not "LOOSE". Other than that, nice video.

[@brnmick]

Awesome video. Quick question what is the name of brand of the wristwatch used by the guy in the video, its beautiful.

[@gcn]

***** we'll thank you for the compliment on Daniel's behalf. Your best bet is to tweet him @daniellloyd1.

[@timogross8191]

Yes misleading title, and too high end bike (integrated head set, no cup change, no bearing seat on fork). As always the presentation is extremely unboring and good, so now I am waiting for the real head set replacement "upgrade" version of the video. Removal of cups, bearing race on the fork and installation of a complete new head set. ... Thank you already!

[@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana]

All the recent model bicycles I've worked on have forks like the ones in this video. The bicycles with bearing cups are so old, now we call them vintage.

[@JS-tb9hu]

Hi GCN. I have a specialised headset on a Sworks Tarmac SL2 and I was wondering if the cap on top is actually the compression cap as the threads it joins into has an Allen key fitting. I do not know if it has to be tight or not. Please help me.

[@gcn]

Hi Josh, yes it is. Carbon steerers have an expander wedge, and to get that to fit you have that extra allen key bolt. That expands the wedge, and then the top cap screws into it. So, both bolts should be tight.

[@JS-tb9hu]

Thanks again GCN!

[@pingram1713]

Is there an extra step with a carbon fork then? Could you please explain further, don't quite get this bit.

[@sergiohenrique9694]

Spent about 500 miles on it and so far so good. kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA Pros:1. Very light2. Solid quality build3. Fast delivery: It arrived 5 weeks earlier than expected.4. Easy assemblyJust a few cons but nothing major:1. Cheap tin tubes and had flat on first day... but not a big deal. I replaced the tubes.2. Seat is a bit uncomfortable but that's pretty much the same situation with most bikes.3. Seat post is a bit long/high for a smaller size 48 bike - had to saw 2 inch off to fit properly. The lowest setting is too high. The post locking system does not seem to hold well (perhaps because I saw 2 inch off).4. wheels are not tubeless compatible (from what I can tell)

Need help removing Fork from a retro bike

[@Bubbleanddown]

Fantastic! I'm going to have a bash myself!! Sorry LBS.

[@matthewvelmonte4524]

Hi GCN whats the degree of that stem? Thanks :)

[@gcn]

We're not entirely sure but it looks like a negative 10 degrees.

[@andrewnolan2228]

why in the world is the front brake lever on the right on that bike?

[@gcn]

That's how bikes are set up in countries where you drive on the left side of the road.

[@Mr3kites]

Yes French front brake on left,U.K. front on right, generally .

[@Calispeedboi]

what if some one doesn't have a intergated headset or the fork needed a new base plate