Author Topic: beartrap headset / mk1 gyro (Read 807 times)

jstring · « **on:** October 10, 2006, 10:28 AM »

I am restoring my childhood bike which i got back from the paint-shop yesterday. Like an excited kid, i started bolting bits on last night but I have a bit of a problem. Originally the bike had an old ACS style rotor / spinner but being as they were rubbish and I quite want my bike to be rideable, not just a museum piece, I have opted to fit an old mk1 oddyssey gyro which is still in period (just) but far superior.

Anyway, I fitted the tioga beartrap headset as usual, dropped on the toothed locking washer followed by the upper gyro tabs but when I went to put on the final locking nut of the headset, it was very clear that there wasn't enough thread on the top of the forks to fit it. If I leave out the toothed washer, it fits fine.

My question is, has anyone else had this problem? What is the best way around it? I am thinking

1. Run with the beartrap and leave out the washer - but i am worried that it will come loose all the time.
2. Switch to a standard headset - but i am worried that it will come loose all the time!
3. Can anyone recommend a headset that does not come loose but which is less bulky?
4. Has anyone ever ground down the toothed locking washer and / or the gyro tabs (both are pretty thick) to make more room and if so was it successful? Did it make the headset weak / the brakes spongy?
5. Has anyone got anyother suggestions like tapping tabs into the stem - although I don't really want to molest my beautiful GT stem?!

Many questions I know, and it is a long shot that anyone else has even had such a problem with such a combination of parts (hutch trickstar / tioga beartrap / mk1 gyro) but any suggestions would be welcome. Many thanks.

Jason

pickle · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2006, 10:38 AM »

Ditch the Gyro altogether and just run with the beartrap headset?

Never did like those Gyro thingies but that's just my oppinion

I've never had an old school headset that didn't come loose!

but then i've never run with a beartrap, are they good? do they stay tight?

RATTY · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2006, 11:19 AM »

I got an acs rotor on my redline rl, it works just fine. only problem I have is the stem flexes a bit cos it has to be up high.

jstring · « **Reply #3 on:** October 10, 2006, 11:40 AM »

Ooops! Didn't mean to rude about the old rotors! I ran one for years (and still might end up running one!). And I can't imagine riding a bike without some sort of rotor / gyro, that's just crazy!

I did fancy a bit of an upgrade though.

And yes, in my experience beartrap headsets were infinitely better than other old school headsets and i have had a few. Only problem is the forks can wear a bit where the toothed washer engages but even then, the general design is better than any others.

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2006, 11:02 PM »

See if you can find an old G.Sport 1" headset locking ring. Its a nice little nugget that will lock your headset down and replace your top gyro plate at the same time. I ran that with a beartrap for years, no worries.

I may still have my one, I'm not sure. i'll see if I can dig it out if you're interested, let me know