Forum

OK, so I ordered my new rockshox SID forks, and they are on there way, but I'm starting to get itchy about the install.

Specifically, the swap of the race crown and the fitting of the star nut.

Sooooo, Would it be advisable to get a top-cap wedge instead of a star nut? and can I get a new race crown to fit to the forks rather than mess about removing the old one?

I want to do this myself and learn the ways of the biker, but also dont want to duck it up and ruin the forks. Would professional help be a better option?

Im reaching out top the MTB community for your pearls of wisdom here

If you buy a new headset you will get a new crown race but if you want to fit the new head set cups you will need to knock out the old ones and press new ones in (unless its an intergrated headset)

its really easy to take out and fit a crown race, to be honest if your that worried about it take you old forks and new forks to a bike shop and ask em to swap it,

the star nut is easy aswell! broom handle and a hammer just dont knock it down to far... get the top of it 10-15 mm into the steerer tube! but before you fit it make sure the steerer tube is the length you require and cut it down first if its not!

fitting forks is one of the easiest jobs to do!!!

OK, that dont sound so bad. I was aware of the cutting part too LOL, but always good to remind people, thanks Tom
Should I just cut the new steerer tube the same length as the old one? It has 30mm of extra tube (with spacers) over the top of the headset at the mo, so thinking I should just keep the same set up as I already have?

Its all pretty easy just need the proper press kit if you are la-de-dah fancy or a big hammer if youre not

Race crowns can be removed with proper tool or hammer n chisel, you can buy em separately or doesnt cost a lot more to get whole new headset.

As for Starnut v other flash ones, its upto choice, starnuts are cheap as chips and do the job, I did have a Hope Head Dr thingie but wouldnt fit my new Risse steerer/clamps so went back to starnut.

Just make sure you dont fit em back-to-front !..See here > http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/mountain ... t2598.html

Andy

Always good to keep it as long as poss in case you want to sell it/change. But obvioulsy there are limits.

Andy

As the others have said, bash the crown on, i placed a spanner around my steerer and let it rest it on the crown race and bashed it down until it was seated flat all round, with the star nut just bash it in, dont be scared of it, a drift that fits inside the steerer is a bonus (i used a small socket) and sharp blow with a hammer, you can also wind a bolt into the nut and just bash it.

there's no rockets and very little science and you dont have to be all finikey and precious about it, unless you're a complete clutz with a hammer ?

If knocking in bearing cups aswell (whole headset) use a piece of wood and hammer! not just hammer! lol

LOL, I have done my research. surely you would notice the difference looking at all the other bikes around you and wondering why yours looks so different? but obviously not!

Anyways, after googling the process, i always find it best to ask opinion, and it seems I should grow a pair and go for it. Hopefully the forks will arrive tomorrow, and I can be out testing them at the weekend! yay.

If anyone else wishes to chip in with any sound advice its always welcome.

Thanks Andy and Tom and Jon

Next months project is drivetrain, so be prepared!

Here's a tip, used on a lot of car stuff....

When you cut your steerer, obviously mock the bike up first and mark the tube, then before you cut drop a jubilee (hose) clip over the steerer and do it up at your mark and use it as guide for the hacksaw so you get a straight neat cut.

Nice tip

If only I knew that before I took the hacksaw to my last set of forks last week. The cut did go a bit wonky but I blame the fact I didn't take my time!

Thankfully they needed a bit more cutting off in the end so I managed to sort it out - good idea though.

If you want to fit a new headset you're more than welcome to use my headset press. Chafford isn't far from me in Hornchurch.

Thanks Greg, I think I got more than enough on my plate doing the forks for now. LOL. but I may call you on that one in the near future.