[CR]Keyed headset washer redux

(Example: Events:Eroica)

From: "JOE HUGHES" <rotab@msn.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:28:57 -0700
Seal-Send-Time: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:28:57 -0700
Subject: [CR]Keyed headset washer redux

This whole headset keyed washer thing...killing me. You should have a keyed washer in your headset just like in a hub. It does keep the locknut/top screwed race from coming loose as a unit. I don't think it is made for one wrench use at all. Who is geto enough to only own one headset wrench?? I have prepped/built more pro bikes than most people have seen and the ones w/o a keyway - the headsets do come loose. We used to dremel a slot and then file down the tooth in the washer to fit the minimal slot to keep things adjusted. Many older frames had a slot cut all the way through the steerer tube for the tooth to fit into. Did not hurt anything. The tooth is there for reason. Otherwise Campy headsets would not have a tooth. I used to slap forks in old Bridgeport milling machines and cut a .020 flat if it was lacking or dremel. Still today I see bikes lacking the slot/tooth setup and usually the headset is loose. Dale is correct in his missive concerning this issue. We used to custom file the Super Record teeth as they were so accurate when we had to start stacking the headsets after the Italians did so in about 1980. SR washers were still affordable back then and if you had less than 5 you were questioned. We also did the triple crank on a double SR spindle by whacking the chainstay a tad for extra clearance. Ballpeen action. Again, after some Italians were racing that
way.
Joe Hughes
Denver