Gitane Chrome Standard headset removal
#1
WGB
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Niagara Region
Posts: 2,917
Bikes: Panasonic PT-4500
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1799 Post(s)
Liked 2,334 Times
in
1,378 Posts
Gitane Chrome Standard headset removal
I have a Gitane Champion (presumably it's a 1985) and it is equipped with a "Gitane Chrome Standard" headset (per catalogues) and if you notice below, the headset has a locking nut on top, followed by two spacers, followed by the adjustable or top bearing race. Locking nut takes a standard 32mm wrench but it simply will not turn. The locking race on this headset has only a knurled surface to hold while applying the tool to the locking nut. In my experience, top bearing races usually have flats to allow a wrench to fit or holes that allow a tool to lock in and give purchase while the locking nut turns. Presumably, I could wrap the top bearing race in duct tape or similar and apply a pipe wrench to hold it while I try to turn the locking nut. I can't believe that this is the best solution.
I've run into this previously but can't recall what I did. I tried searching "headset with knurled bearing race", etc but no luck.
Any ideas? Any specific tool(s)?
My headset
Sorry for the close up, headset looks worse in photo than real life!
Online photo showing same headset on another 1985 Champion
I've run into this previously but can't recall what I did. I tried searching "headset with knurled bearing race", etc but no luck.
Any ideas? Any specific tool(s)?
My headset
Sorry for the close up, headset looks worse in photo than real life!
Online photo showing same headset on another 1985 Champion
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,153
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3807 Post(s)
Liked 6,676 Times
in
2,607 Posts
My approach is to remove the front wheel, put the handle of my hammer between the fork blades and hold with one hand while I go at the top nut with the other hand. You can get lots of leverage as both arms are close to your body, and fork blades should be fine if your hammer handle is made out of hard wood as is mine.
Likes For nlerner:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,186
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,028 Times
in
404 Posts
It may not be the handiest tool, but I've made good use of my ViceGrip chain wrench. Unlike some clamping wrenches, like a pipe wrench, the chain wrench grabs a round object all the way around, without teeth that can mar the part. I've used it on headsets when my confidence in the wee key on the washers is very low (most of the time). On small parts you need to think ahead on how to keep the excess chain out of the way.
I've recently seen a vintage VAR headset wrench, sort of like the wrench nlerner showed above. Nice tool, that.
I've recently seen a vintage VAR headset wrench, sort of like the wrench nlerner showed above. Nice tool, that.
#5
Junior Member
It may not be the handiest tool, but I've made good use of my ViceGrip chain wrench. Unlike some clamping wrenches, like a pipe wrench, the chain wrench grabs a round object all the way around, without teeth that can mar the part. I've used it on headsets when my confidence in the wee key on the washers is very low (most of the time). On small parts you need to think ahead on how to keep the excess chain out of the way.
I've recently seen a vintage VAR headset wrench, sort of like the wrench nlerner showed above. Nice tool, that.
I've recently seen a vintage VAR headset wrench, sort of like the wrench nlerner showed above. Nice tool, that.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
Not cheap but these are quality headset pliers from Hozan that will do the trick. Yeah you may mar the surface a bit but you can try using a rag with them as well.
https://www.amazon.com/HOZAN-C-203-H...a-441435708121
https://www.amazon.com/HOZAN-C-203-H...a-441435708121
Likes For bikemig:
#7
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,784
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,398 Times
in
1,932 Posts
VAR-78. Works on tight jar lids in the kitchen, too:
Likes For JohnDThompson:
#8
WGB
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Niagara Region
Posts: 2,917
Bikes: Panasonic PT-4500
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1799 Post(s)
Liked 2,334 Times
in
1,378 Posts
Thank you everyone!
I'll borrow the VAR - 78 from my local frame builder who says he has one. but looks like I need the AT508k pliers, at $26 I can justify those. Much as I love the quality of Var tools the only Var - 78 I found was $76!
I'd use the hammer handle method but no my lack of finesse I'd definitely trash the forks...
I'll borrow the VAR - 78 from my local frame builder who says he has one. but looks like I need the AT508k pliers, at $26 I can justify those. Much as I love the quality of Var tools the only Var - 78 I found was $76!
I'd use the hammer handle method but no my lack of finesse I'd definitely trash the forks...
#9
PM me your cotters
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: ATL
Posts: 3,241
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1137 Post(s)
Liked 590 Times
in
422 Posts
Thank you everyone!
I'll borrow the VAR - 78 from my local frame builder who says he has one. but looks like I need the AT508k pliers, at $26 I can justify those. Much as I love the quality of Var tools the only Var - 78 I found was $76!
I'd use the hammer handle method but no my lack of finesse I'd definitely trash the forks...
I'll borrow the VAR - 78 from my local frame builder who says he has one. but looks like I need the AT508k pliers, at $26 I can justify those. Much as I love the quality of Var tools the only Var - 78 I found was $76!
I'd use the hammer handle method but no my lack of finesse I'd definitely trash the forks...
Also unfortunate, ICETOOLZ, Hozan and others making comparable tools often price within 20% of VAR prices, so it hurts no matter - fixed cup removal and cotter tools are great examples.
I think it's just one of those things: Bikes are still considered a very recreational thing, especially vintage, so we won't see the Harbor Freight version of bike tool resources popping up any time soon. I'd love to see some of VAR's stuff come down 20%, but all I'm seeing is a steady rise the last 10 years, and it's up 20% instead.
__________________
███████████████
███████████████