Popeyecahn

Before I get this done, are they any caveats when doing the work with regards to methods and materials? Is it straightforward or ?

The crown race was cracked and while cleaning it one of the bearing cages got wonky, so I figured it would be best just to have the whole thing replaced after 20+ years. Headset is a 105 and I've got an NOS 105 cartridge type to replace.

mudboy

Nope, just be sure to put a layer of grease betwixt the cups and frame. Be sure to chexck the head tube for cracks with the old headset cups in place, too.

Popeyecahn

Thanks will do!

gaucho777 

And make sure the two headsets have the same (or close) stack height. I am not familiar with the cartridge-type 105 headsets, but the early loose bearing-type 105 headsets (HP-1055) have an uncommonly short stack height of 33.5cm. If other headset is more than a few cms taller, you may not have enough threads to fully tighten the top lock nut.

Popeyecahn

Hmmm good point, looking at them now to determine. The thought crossed my mind but I guess I figured that by going with a similar/same headset I'd be ok...

gaucho777 

There's also the issue of crown race size. See: https://sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html. I'm guessing it's 26.4mm, but you can measure/compare the headsets if you have a set of calipers.

Popeyecahn

I'm pretty sure it's 26.4mm but I haven't mic'd it yet to be absolutely sure. I am sure that the 105 headset I bought is too tall (about 4mm according to published data) as it's 37.6mm.

I'm torn between 'giving it a go' or just replacing the crown race only, inspecting the bearings and riding on until I can source a good HP-1050 (the cartridge type I understand to be HP-1055). I've dropped the bearings in an ultrasonic to get a better look. The rest of it seems fine, no brinelling that I can see of feel.

Thanks for the advice, info BF is a cyclist's friend for sure!

miamijim

The newere 105 cartridge have a higher stack height...trust me!!!

Popeyecahn

Yeah, I think it's a non-starter even at 4mm difference. Though I could use a thinner spacer I suppose...

So this brings me to this question (as a complete novice...) assuming the crown race is 26.4mm, do I need to source a proper Shimano of the era, or will the Tange/CDS/etc work with the remaining Shimano parts?

miamijim

If it's that tight your better of sourcing the proper Shimano parts....

Popeyecahn

After putting it back together and measuring off 4mm, there's not much left for threading on the top cap. The original bearings and races look pretty decent with a good bit of life in them, sourcing out a usable and proper Shimano crown race will prove to be interesting. I could always spring for a Chris King...

I also found some other interesting makes that had 34mm or less stack height. Let the good times roll!

Popeyecahn

So today I went through a cache of them at a shop in east San Diego and found a suitable candidate, the guy set it for free and off I went. Now to start putting everything back together, and once the bars and stem arrive I'll be ready to roll!