How to Install a Cane Creek Threadless Headset

The headset is a small, yet critical component that is often overlooked. In this video you’ll see how to service, adjust, and install your thread less headset.

For this, you will need a fork crown facing tool, a head tube facing tool, a headset press, a digital caliper, crown race setting tools, a hammer, and some quality waterproof grease.

Before you can install your headset, your frame’s head tube and fork must be properly prepared. You will also need to make sure that the headset you purchased is compatible with your frame and fork.

After the head set and fork have been prepared, measure your fork, head tube, and headset to make sure all are compatible with each other. Next, it is important to note how the chosen headset press interfaces with the cup.

Now, apply a thin layer of waterproof grease to the insertion sleeve of the lower headset cup. Next, install the headset cups to the head tube, beginning with the lower cup. Align the lower cup, headset press, head tube, and headset installation tool. Once in line, slowly press the lower cup into the head tube until you feel a firm fit. Do not use excessive torque as it may damage the fork or the frame. Check to see that the cup is fully seated in the head tube. Keep the installation tool in place on the bottom cup. Once this is complete, you may now proceed to the installation of the upper cup.

Align the lower cup, headset press, head tube, and headset installation tool.

Apply a thin layer of grease to the insertion sleeve of the upper headset cup. The align the upper cup, the headset press, head tube, and headset installation tube. Once in line, slowly press the upper cup into the head tube until you feel a firm fit. Do not use excessive torque.

Align the upper cup, the headset press, head tube, and headset installation tube.

With both cups installed, we are now ready to install the crown race on the fork. As with the cups, examine the way the crown race and tool mate. Slide the crown race over the steerer tube. Then the installation adapter, and finally the crown race setting tool. Set the crown race while holding the fork in one hand. Do not rest the fork on the ground. Begin to hammer gently, but firmly. This should not take more then 3 to 4 blows. The crown race is set when there is no visible space between the crown race and fork crown.

Slide the crown race over the steerer tube. Then the installation adapter, and finally the crown race setting tool.

We are no ready to assemble the headset. Begin by applying a light film of grease to both bearings to prevent corrosion. Slide the lower bearing over the steerer tube, noting the correct orientation. Carefully insert the fork assembly into the frame. Slide the upper bearing over the steerer tube and into the upper cup. Now slide the compression ring over the steerer tube. Next, install the top cover, any spacers, and stem. Assure there’s a 3mm space between the top of the steerer tube and the top of the stem. Then, place the pre-load cap, line up the stem, and tighten.

Place the pre-load cap, line up the stem, and tighten.

place the pre-load cap, line up the stem, and tighten.