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Tight crown seal on Cane Creek Headset

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Tight crown seal on Cane Creek Headset

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Old 01-23-22, 05:13 PM
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Kapusta
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Tight crown seal on Cane Creek Headset

I just got a frame that came with a CC40 lower headset (for a tapered fork). I'll be waiting on the fork for a while.

I was checking the bearings for smoothness and proper mating with the cups and I notice that the rubber seal on the crown race drags really hard on the lower bearing.There is no metal on metal friction, just a lot of rubber friction. Like really tight seals (which I guess is what this is)

Is this normal? Is it something that goes away with use?

I've have other CC headsets with the same design of crown race with the rubber seal (all were for 1-1/8" straight steerers) and all those turned pretty freely, just the slightest seal drag.

Thanks
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Old 01-23-22, 05:42 PM
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Andrew R Stewart 
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Have you pulled the lower bearing's seal? Is the grease in good shape?

When new, seals have more range of tight fit than the internal bearings do. So, this might be within normal specs. Generally, once installed and the bike assembled tight seals are not noticed during the ride. Andy
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Old 01-23-22, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart
Have you pulled the lower bearing's seal? Is the grease in good shape?

When new, seals have more range of tight fit than the internal bearings do. So, this might be within normal specs. Generally, once installed and the bike assembled tight seals are not noticed during the ride. Andy
Its not the bearing itself. This has a cartridge bearing, and that itself spins freely, even under load.

t the issue is the drag of the seal on the crown race against the bearing. Cane Creek headsets have a crown race with an integrated seal.


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Old 01-23-22, 06:20 PM
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I have Cane Creek 40 headsets on two bikes and, yes the seal on the crown race does drag noticeably on the edge of the lower cup. However, you will never notice it while riding and it does serve to keep dirt and water out of the bearings, I consider it a feature, not a bug.
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Old 01-23-22, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
I have Cane Creek 40 headsets on two bikes and, yes the seal on the crown race does drag noticeably on the edge of the lower cup. However, you will never notice it while riding and it does serve to keep dirt and water out of the bearings, I consider it a feature, not a bug.
Cool, that is what I wanted to know.
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