Chris King Headset
If mountain bikers can agree on one thing ... this is the headset to own. Price is usually $99 somewhere on the net.
I purchased the BikeNashbar headset spacer set. It includes a 1.5, 2.5,5 and 7.5 mm headset spacer.
Different manufacturers have different stem clamp heights. Generally, the steerer tube must be 3-6 mm below the stem clamp. Using a headset spacer leaves yourself the option of switching to different stems. Using a 1.5 mm headset spacer before cutting leaves the steerer tube 3.5 mm below the stem clamp if a 5 mm headset spacer is used. Note: The maximum headset spacer height is 15 mm (according to Raceface).
Headset spacer selection
I would like to keep my options open to use the widest variety of stems available.
Here is the reasoning behind the selection of the 5 mm headset spacer for the Korelite 3 stem. The stem with the shortest clamp height is probably the Raceface system stem. For the Raceface system stem, the steerer tube must be 2 mm below the stem clamp. If I use no headset spacers for the Korelite 3 stem, I can still use the Raceface system stem. As shown below.
stem clamp height steerer tube to stem top edge distance
stem clamp steerer tube length
min. headset spacer height
total steerer tube stem clamp height
Korelite 3 stem 50 mm 3 mm 47 mm 0 mm 47 mm Raceface system stem 39 mm 2 mm 37 mm 10 mm 47 mm If I use the maximum headset spacer height of 15 mm for the Raceface system. The Korelite 3 needs a 5 mm headset spacer.
stem clamp height steerer tube to stem top edge distance
stem clamp steerer tube length
max. headset spacer height
total steerer tube stem clamp height
Korelite 3 stem 50 mm 3 mm 47 mm 5 mm 52 mm Raceface system stem 39 mm 2 mm 37 mm 15 mm 52 mm Using headset spacers leaves me the option of using a stem with a clamp height between 39 and 55 mm.
Installation
Crown race
Liberally grease the steerer tube. Using a 1 1/4" PVC pipe to cushion the hammer blows, tap crown race onto fork.
Headset cups
Tapping in with hammer
To install using blocks of wood and much patience and skill, go here
Headset press
To make your own headset press with a threaded rod and a few pieces of wood, go here.
Grease the bottom headset cup. Put headset cup in press. Thread press through head tube. Align KING graphics to front of bike frame. Slowly tighten press bolt while aligning headset cup to frame. Repeat with top headset cup. Exhale and resume breathing.
Star fangled nut tool
To make your own star fangled nut tool, cut a 1" long section from a 1" diameter dowel. Drill a hole through the center of the dowel for the star fangled nut screw. Mark a line around the dowel 15 mm from the end of the dowel piece. To use, pass bolt through dowel into star fangled nut. Finger tighten. Tap dowel into steerer tube to 15 mm line. Unscrew bolt to remove dowel.
Tap the star fangled nut 15 mm into the steerer tube. Liberally grease the steerer tube. Slip fork into frame, add top plate and put on the nylon washer, slip on a 5 mm headset spacer and add the stem. Snug everything down. Align the fork to frame and tighten the stem clamp (8 ft-lb for KoreLite 3). Lube headset bolt with grease and tighten to 10 in-lbs.
Tip: Put the nylon washer between the top plate of headset and any stem spacers or stem. It protects the finish of the top plate. Lube top plate O ring with silicon grease.