headset fork race installation

[Glen]

Just a quick one (I Hope) Im trying to install a tioga bear trap 2 head set on a skyway TA fork but as you can see from the pics at the bottom of the forks theres a small shim or shoulder around the forks that prevents the race from sliding onto the forks all the way down.  I dont want to force it too much, should I lightly sand the inside of the race to get it on?  Ive done that with a BB cup to get a sealed bearing in and it worked.  Thanks

Pic1, forks with shim or shoulder around the base:


Pic2, with race as far down as I get get it without bashing or sanding inside the race:

[J Rolla]

of the three bear trap 2's I've fitted, all three have been a F'ing pain to fit as the race is so tight. It will go on dude, just lube it up good (!) and be patient! I guess a piece of pipe to fit arount the fork tube and bash it on would be ideal but I've managed without. As I said though, pain in the arse.

James

[MartyC]

Use a section of scaffold pole to get all the way on, slide the scaffold pole over the fork head tube and whack it down until the race is a snug fit all the while holding the forks in your hand to avoid any damage from restig them on a hard surface.  It's the way your old LBS would have done it (the we used to it for sure), a new LBS will use a similar tool but most likely made by Park Tools  .

[RATTY]

Easiest way is to put the race in a cup of boiling water, give it a minute to expand then tap it on

[RATTY]