Wednesday, May 1, 2013

How to Install LitePro Headset for Dahon Bikes

The headset on a folding bike is rarely upgraded, as it is not considered an important part of the bike. However, the headset on a folding bike is under greater stress than conventional road bikes or even mountain bikes, due to the long handlepost fixed onto the bike. With this long handlepost, a lot of torque is exerted on the headset when the rider pulls on the handlebar. Thus it is important that the headset is regularly checked to ensure that it is turning smoothly with no excessive tightness or looseness.

I noticed that the Vitesse X20-TT has a headset that seems a bit worn out. When turning, the bearings feel notchy, and it is not possible to turn the handlebar more than 45 degrees to either side without the headset getting jammed. Riding the bike is still possible, as there is usually no need to turn the handlebar more than 30 degrees either side. However steering while pushing the bike is a problem as it can be difficult to turn the handlebar properly.

Due to this reason, I decided to change the headset for the Vitesse. Previously my Boardwalk also had its headset changed, along with the fork. The operation was done at MyBikeShop, as I did not have the proper tools or the skills to perform the change of headset. However I did learn how to change the headset by watching how it was done. Usually there is no need to change the headset unless it is really spoilt.

This time, I managed to borrow some headset tools that is required when changing the headset. These tools are pretty heavy and expensive, and they are also rarely used so there is no need to own a set of them unless you own a bike workshop. I borrowed the tools so that I can try changing the headset at home instead of bringing the bike down to the bike shop.

The new headset that I am going to install will be a LitePro headset. These headsets are specially made for Dahon bikes, as conventional headsets will not fit due to the extra large headtube on the Dahon frames. Both the steel and aluminium frames use the same headset.

LitePro headset in silver colour

Laser etched logo on the upper cover

The full set of headset parts

 This is the crown race, it sits on the steerer tube on the fork.

This is the compression ring, it sits on the top bearing, between the bearing and the upper cover. This part ensures a tight fit between the bearings and the steerer tube.

Bearing cup and sealed angular bearings. Same size for the top and bottom bearings.

 Upper cover. Provides a stable platform for the handlepost to rest on the headset.

Before installing the new headset, the current stock headset has to be removed. I feel that removing the headset from a bike is the most difficult operation of all, even harder than removing a square tapered BB from the frame.

First, mount the bike onto a workstand by the seatpost. If possible, rest the front wheel on the floor to provide more support. Next, the handlepost needs to be removed. Here is a step-by-step picture guide.

Use a M6 Allen key to loosen the clamp at the base of the handlepost.

Use a M10 Allen key to loosen and remove the compression bolt.

Compression bolt removed. Note that there is a brass shim under the compression bolt.

Lift off the handlepost, here you can see the black plastic headset upper cover. Place the handlepost + handlebar nearby on a stable platform. Take note not to overstretch the front brake cable as it is still connected.

Pull out the fork from the bottom of the headset. At this point the front wheel is still fixed onto the fork. You may find it easier to remove the front wheel when working on the fork.


There is a rubber seal resting on the crown race of the fork. Use a flat blade to remove it.

Those were the easy tasks! Now we will need to remove the bearings, bearing cups and crown race. From here on the operation will be more tricky and challenging.

Leave the fork aside for the moment, the crown race can be removed later on. Now the bearings should be removed from the bearing cups.

Use a flat blade to remove the circular spring clip that keeps the bearing cover in place.

Upon lifting the bearing cover, you will see lots of small individual ball bearings! Remove all of them using a magnet so that they don't drop all over the floor.

This is what you see when you remove all the bearings. What remains is the bearing cup.

After removing all the bearings on top, invert the bike frame and do the same for the bottom side. When all the bearings have been removed, what is remaining should only be the bearings cups in the head tube.

To remove the bearing cups, we need to use the head cup remover. This is a tool with split ends so that it will rest on the inside ledge of the bearing cups.

Universal Head Cup Remover

Split ends which will conform to different bearing cup diameters.

To remove the bottom bearing cup, insert the tool from the bottom and pull upwards.

If done correctly, the split ends will now rest on the inside of the bearing cups.

At this point, heavy knocking is needed to knock out the bearing cup. Use a mallet or hammer and knock on the top of the head cup remover. You will need a second person to help you hold the frame so that it doesn't move around. It can be rather difficult to knock out the bearing cups as they are press fitted into the frame.

Once done, flip the bike upside down and do the same for the other bearing cup.

Both bearing cups removed! Clean the inside of the headtube and apply some fresh grease.

Just for additional info, the bearing cups are press fitted into the head tube. Thus the bearing cup is designed to be slightly larger than the headtube, so that they fit snugly. The interference diameter will be around 0.1mm.

Inside diameter of headtube.

Outside diameter of LitePro bearing cup. Slight interference.

Lube the interface between the frame and the bearing cups for easier seating of the cups.

The bearing cups cannot be installed by hand, as it is too tight. A bearing cup press is required to set the cups properly. Do not knock in the cups using a hammer or other DIY tools, as it will damage the cups or frame, causing the bearings to malfunction also. You must use the bearing cup press to properly seat the bearing cups.

 
Bearing cup press. Yet another heavy tool.

The tool comes with a stepped block for different bearing cup diameters. Ensure that the block rests on the outside of the bearing cup.

 Bearing cup press ready to be used!

Once the block has been properly set on both the top and bottom, clamp the tool together and spin the handle on top to press both the cups into the frame. Do it slow and check to see that the cups are going in evenly. It should not be too difficult as this is a very powerful tool. For this frame, the bearing cups went in quite smoothly as the interference between the frame and cup is quite small.

Bearing cups seated properly in the frame. No gaps seen all around the edge of the cup.

Lube the bearing cups before installing the sealed bearings

Even though the bearings are sealed bearings, it is still a good idea to lube the bearing cups before placing the bearings into the cup. This improves sealing against water and also prevents creaks later on.

Now that the new bearing cups and bearings have been installed into the frame, let us come back to the fork. As the LitePro headset uses a different crown race, we will need to remove the stock crown race and install the new crown race on the steerer tube.

To remove the crown race, I will be using a crown race puller. This is a special tool that has blades which hook the crown race and pulls it out. If you can't find such a tool, you can use a flat bladed screwdriver and a mallet. But it will damage the crown race and possibly also the steerer tube.

The crown race puller. A very solid and heavy tool.

 The blades at the bottom of the tool, which will slide in under the crown race.

To use the tool, insert the entire tool over the steerer tube, and rest the blades on the bottom of the steerer tube.

Use the two knobs at the side to push in the blades, such that the blades are wedged in under the crown race. Take your time and double check to ensure that the blades are in the correct place.

Next, spin the handle at the top of the crown race puller tool. This forces the blades upwards, and hopefully the crown race is pulled off as shown!

The LitePro crown race uses a split ring design, so it is easy to fit the new crown race onto the steerer tube. 

Lube all contact areas on the crown race before seating it properly. This crown race will be in contact with the lower bearings.

Finally, insert the steerer tube back through the frame. Remember to put the compression ring on top of the top bearing, and cover the headset with the upper cover provided. Reinstall the handlepost and your headset upgrade is complete!

 View of the headset BEFORE the upgrade. Note the small gap at the bottom of the headset.

After installing the LitePro headset. Since there is no rubber seal ring, the gap appears to be bigger, and is a potential problem if water gets into the headset.

To solve that problem, a Lizardskin Headset Cover is used to wrap around the opening and reduce the chance of water getting into the headset bearings.

After this upgrade, the headset feels brand new again! The steering is smooth and consistent, with no notchy or friction feeling. One downside of this LitePro headset is that no rubber seal is provided to seal the bottom of the headset against water ingress. From what I know, newer versions of the headset come with a rubber ring on the upper cover to protect against water.

Overall, it was quite a tough job as it involved a lot of knocking and handling heavy tools. If there is a need to change the headset, it is recommended that you leave the job to the bike shop, where they should have the proper tools and skills to service the headset. Another advantage of changing to this LitePro headset is that in the future, if the sealed bearings need replacement, it will be just a 15 minute job, as you only need to remove the handlepost, pull out the fork, replace the sealed bearings and assemble everything back again. No need to replace the bearing cups or crown race unless those are the parts that are spoilt.

73 comments:

  1. Steve, I have some headset wobble, do you think the Litepro is the best headset for a Boardwalk?
    Also do you think the travel agents are worth it, or a waste of time due to the added friction?
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you know if a MTB semi integrated headset would fit in the Dahon as I am struggling to contact LitePro in UK (http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=114)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The travel agents for the brakes are not so good, due to the added friction and also the tendency for the inner cable to unwind itself. All these leads to a spongy brake feeling. Better to get proper caliper brakes.

      As far as I know you can only use LitePro headset on Dahon bikes. Mtb headset will not fit. To get LitePro stuff you can buy from LitePro.taobao.com

      Delete
  3. Hi Steve, I have a spare D7 frame and building from scratch. I realised I am short of the Compression Bolt that holds the Handlepost to the steertube. Where can I get the Compression Bolt?

    Thanks
    David

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The bolt usually comes with the fork. You might be able to get a replacement from thorusa.com or Taobao.

      Delete
  4. Hi Steve,

    Great tips! Which bike shop you can recommend to make the changes because it looks like it can't be done at home and the tools required is simply not those that I can stock at home.

    Hear from you again.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely recommend Mybikeshop, because they specialize in these folding bikes. The headset and handlepost area is rather unique and other bike shops may not be familiar with it.

      Delete
    2. Hi Steve,

      Thanks for the recommendation. The picture you posted isn't Mybikeshop. And I checked their bike mechanic doesn't do the things you shown in this blog.

      Where is this bike shop that you took the pictures from to do this change? Can recommend? You can sms me 97830854 if you like.

      Thanks again!

      Delete
  5. Hi Steve,

    I am seriously looking for a 20 inch folding bike to use for casual riding at PCN. Would much appreciate if you could advise based on current model of Dahon and Tern or any other brands. My budget is less than 1k. What would you recommend?

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many models of Dahon / Tern bikes, it is difficult to recommend when I have no idea what you are looking for. What I can recommend is for you to go to the bike shop and try out all the various bikes, and get to know the differences. From there you can find a suitable bike. MyBikeShop is a good place to start.

      Delete
    2. HI tylsteve, can i check with you where can i purchase the LitePro Headset for Dahon Bikes or any bikes shop which i can go to?

      I call up MyBikeShop they say they only have the stock headset but need to order they dont carry other brand headset, I also call Chapter 2 Cycle they say they don't carry LitePro product and they may not have other Headset brand that fit Dahon bikes.

      Please kindly advice.. Thanks.

      Delete
    3. Mybikeshop should be able to get the LitePro headset for you, since they have LitePro products. Look for Kian Lim.

      If not, you have to get it online from Taobao.

      Delete
    4. Hi tylsteve,

      Thanks, I have call up Mybikeshop but they keep saying they don't carry LitePro headset and told me they only have the original headset but need to order.

      I have order one from ebay on the way from shipping. just like to check you change the headset yourself or bring it to a bike shop to have it change?

      Delete
    5. The first time (Dahon Boardwalk) I changed the headset at mybikeshop. The second time (Dahon Vitesse) I changed it myself, as seen on this blog post.

      Delete
    6. Ok. Thanks, Can check with you where you brought the tools? and what the price like?

      Delete
    7. I borrowed the tools, as they are very costly. Cost at least $200 to $300 a set.

      Not advisable to buy the tools if you are going to use it only a few times. Best to change the headset at the bike shop.

      Delete
    8. Hi Steve, can check with you where you get your LitePro 20" Rims?

      Thanks

      Delete
    9. I got it from Taobao. just go to litepro.taobao.com.

      Delete
    10. Hi Steve,
      Thanks.. But every thing in Chinese ^_^

      Delete
  6. Hi Steve

    Just check with you the Universal head cup remover, what size was the one you used to remove the head cup from your broad walk?

    It is usually measured in inches, eithier 11/2 or 1 1/8 inch or some other sizes.

    Regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is no specific size, the Park Tool head cup remover comes in only one size. It is a flared tube and thus will fit a range of sizes.

      http://www.parktool.com/product/head-cup-remover-rt-1

      Delete
  7. Hi Steve

    I have a question for you, does this headset fit suitable with my Dahon Eco 3?

    Regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Dahon Eco 3 uses a different headset design, so this handlepost will not fit.

      Delete
    2. so, do you have any solution for my case?

      Delete
    3. I mean the headset, not the handlepost

      Delete
    4. I'm not sure of the headset design for your bike. Is the headset damaged, thats why you want to change it?

      Delete
  8. Hi Steve, I have a vitesse d18, can I use the litepro headset? Are all the headset same size i.e. 1 1/8? Can feel the headset is abit loose. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you can use the LitePro headset for Dahon bikes.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Steve! It seems that the vitesse d18 headset circumference is smaller than the Speed P8 (my wife's). That got me to ask you the question. Thanks!

      Delete
    3. Hmm maybe the new Vitesse has a different headset dimension. I upgraded the Boardwalk and the Vitesse D7 with the same headset.

      Delete
  9. Hello. Love the upgrading you do to your dahon. Do you remember the diameter and length of the fork steerer tube for your vitesse? Reason I am asking is that I am considering upgrading to a suspension fork.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The diameter should be the standard at 1 1/8 inch, as for the length I didn't measure so I don't know. You can just measure your current fork.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, you are right. I really should try to dismantle and take measurements of the fork to be sure. Thanks!

      Delete
  10. Hello, I wish you were my mecanic because your work is ubber clean. Yesterday I went to my dahon shop to instal this headset, and the mecanic (apparently completely unexperimented) just hit it with a rubber hammer till it fit in. I realised it to late to intervene, but I just had time to saw some aluminium chips falling from the tube. Now the headset works fine and smoothly, but i'm worried than those impacts and chips may have weakened the solidity of my frame, what do you think?

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't worry too much about the frame. The only problem might be that the cups got bent. But since the headset is now smooth I think it should be fine.

      Delete
  11. Would you by any chance remember the size of the ball bearings in your original headset? I am trying to source spares for my Dahon but am unsure of the sizing!!!
    Be great to hear from you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure of the sizing. You could take out the current ones to measure before getting new bearings.

      Delete
  12. Hi steve, i am thinking to upgrade my dahon fork to a suspension fork..saw the 20 inches suntour xcm and xct at taobao..my wheel is 74mm..i think i got to buy the adapter to fix on the new fork which support 100mm. Looking at the 2 models in taobao..with the top stem from 35cm-37cm means we got to cut it shorter..but by cutting it shorter, will the lower part of the stem still have threads in the inner tube for the big bolt to secure it from the top?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The thing is, I'm not sure if the suspension fork is threaded on the inside in the first place. Normally these forks will need a starnut to be inserted, and tightened with a stem top cap.

      Even if it was threaded, it is unlikely the thread would be long enough.

      Delete
  13. Btw i am riding a vitesse p18.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the reply anyway...so my best bet i think is to get the suspension fork used for dahon jetstream..might need to confirm with the seller on the length of the top stem hopefully will be able to fit perfectly...:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Steve

    What was the size of the internal thread on the 1 1/8 steerer tube of the Dahon?

    Or what was the thread size of the compression bolt?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The thread size is different for steel and alu forks. Steel is M24, alu is M23. I think I heard that there might be a new thread size of M22 on newer models, not sure if I'm correct. Just remember that the compression bolt should always be paired to the fork, regardless of which handlepost or headset you change to.

      Delete
    2. Hi Steve

      I measured the compression bolt and it is about 1" to thread into the 1 1/8 steerer tube.

      The thread is not metric as I was told but I was told it was British Standard Cycle or BSC.

      So I thought I could verify with you what the thread standard was as I am thinking to change the OEM fork to a 100mm OLD fork.

      Regards

      Delete
    3. The new fork should come with its own compression bolt. If not, it is a risk as the stock bolt may not fit into the new fork. As I stated earlier, the bolt and fork should always be paired, at least for Dahon/Tern folding bikes.

      Delete
  16. The litepro headset u used, is it the 44mm one?.. but there are at least 2 44mm version in taobao and both their description allows for foldies... will they fit on tern and other foldie?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can use either H73 or H71 versions for Tern or Dahon folding bikes. Not sure if they will fit on other folding bikes as the headset dimensions might be different.

      Delete
  17. Hi Steve,
    Dahon's headsets have always puzzled me. I can't seem to get rid of the slight looseness. I would have thought the compression ring will hold everything in place when tightened? I have a Speed TR and I can't get rid of the slight rocking. The bearings are smooth, so they should be fine. What do you suggest I check? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just wondering if you installed the Crown race at the bottom of the steerer tube?
      Also, you have to loosen the handlepost base clamp bolts before tightening the compression bolt.
      I can't diagnose the problem over the Internet as I can't see what is wrong. Best to bring it to a bike shop to get it checked out.

      Delete
  18. Not sure what is the headset type used for Dahon Dash, but I suspect it may be the same Litepro type. You can see if it looks the same as what I have here.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Steve, thanks a lot for documenting the ugrade, I m building my bike from scratch based on a Dahon Mu frame and this is really useful. If I understand you well the Physis 3D doesn't require the LitePRo top cover, does this mean I could do with a standard "integrated" 44mm headset? I've already ordered the LitePro but would maybe swap it for a True. Btw if you want to follow the build I will be posting pics on TWitter #fxmobile. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't just use any integrated headset as it may not fit the frame. Although using a Physis handlepost does not require a top cover, you will need to ensure correct length of steerer tube for the Physis handlepost to clamp on.

      Delete
  20. Thanks vm for answering my question! For the fork I'm getting an RST Single Shock, comes with a 175mm sterer tube that I will have to cut down to the correct length. Took the digital capliper out and getting 43.95mm diameter on the Litepro.The Dahon Internal Diameter seems to show 43.85 / 43.90. Sorry I couldn't edit my intitial post by the way, the headset I'm thinking about are "Hope" and not "True". They specs say their Integral (not integrated!) headset is 44.10 intended to fit in headset that are 43.95. My thinking is just that I'm within my measuring error range and that Tern won't have gone to the trouble of creating a whole new spec / are using standard Integral types headset on their bikes, does that make sense to you?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not too sure about the headset, but I have not seen anyone use a headset that is not the stock OEM headset or a LitePro headset. You could try it and let us know. Or if you have both the Hope headset and the LitePro headset, you could compare them physically to see if they are the same.

      Delete
  21. Hi there,

    I want to modify/upgrade my polygon urbano 5.0 to lighten its weight and I am thinking changing the fork, the headset, wheelset and seatpost.

    The problem I encountered is changing the fork as the stock fork is a threadless one.

    Can you advise how I can go about changing the fork?

    Thank you
    J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Difficult to change the fork if it is threadless, as there are not many good replacement forks. My suggestion is to just use the original fork as there is no good replacement.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the heads up. Been looking at converting the threaded fork the urbano has to a threadless fork and the headset too. Just really clueless about the process and in between. It seemed possible from the blogs I came across online but also there seemed a lot in between steps that were not articulated. Thanks again for the advice.

      Delete
    3. If you change the headset, fork and handlepost all together, you can probably get something like the Dahon handlepost. However, the cost of this might get you a new Urbano bike, so probably not worth it.

      Delete
  22. Hi, I have a Dahon Jetstream. I am changing the Dahon suspension Fork for Spinner Grind 20" suspension Fork with remote lockout. same diameter of steerer tube (1 1/8") but this one is threadless, so the Dahon compression Bolt will not work. I was looking at your post about installing a startnut inside your new fork and I will have to do the same. My issue is that I don't know if I will be able to fit the top cap with the bolt inside the Dahon Jetstream handle bar clamp system.Do you know if there is a specific topcap compression bolt combo that is compatible with Dahon handle post clamp???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A normal stem top cap should be able to fit the Jetstream handlepost. Just need to ensure that the steerer tube is cut to the right length.

      Delete
    2. Hello there, Were you able to install the Spinner? I just purchase the Spinner Gring 24". I hope it will be an easy install.

      Delete
  23. Hi there I have a Dahon Cadenza (Joe Murray frame) which I would like to fit some Surly Long Haul Trucker forks. Is this possible?
    The steerer tubes are identical, however the the crown of the Cadenza fork is flared to fit the current integrated headset where the Surly LHT fork is not. Might there be a work round?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure if there is an adaptor for this.

      Delete
  24. Hi steve,

    Is this headset the same with java pro folding bikes? Inhave a wobbly headset on my java and was wondering which headaet should i order. Nice demo by the way, easy and smooth! 🙂

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Steve,

    Does the litepro headset fit the Tern Verge P10 ?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Steve,

    I've recently bought lots of parts to replace some of the old parts of my Vitesse D18 bought in 2013. I brought it to a bike shop for installation and the 44mm Litepro headset (same as the one in your blog) wasn't compatible, according to the mechanic. It's a bit puzzling because TB website did say that it's suitable for folding bikes. Do you have idea of the internal diameter of the headtube of a D18? If I don't remember wrongly, the mechanic said the Litepro headset was too big.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It should be compatible. Both the headset cups and bearings have to be changed as a set.

      Delete
  27. Hi Steve, i am not sure how to post a photo here of my folding stem on my Dahon here to show you. I have issue of creaking sound.....most likely coming from the folding stem (Litepro). I suspect that during installation, the person must have omitted something. (Maybe compression ring). Can you advise me on how to post a photo to you for you to help take a look? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suggest posting a picture online, such as in Facebook group. Or just bring it to the shop to diagnose the problem, as creaking sounds are hard to solve without checking the bike physically.

      Delete
  28. Hi Steve,
    Really easy to understand your systematic how to. Smooth and effective.
    I have Tern and the stock stem is Physis 3D. Im attracted to the oil slick litepro headset h73. As The stock stem is physis 3D which does not require the litepro top cover if I replace it, means it will be pointless if I buy any colour of litepro headset?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right, with the Tern handlepost, any headset cannot be seen.

      Delete
    2. Ohhh it will be a waste. Ok sure thanks for the update. 👍👍

      Delete

Every comment is moderated before publishing due to spam bots. If you don't see your comment yet, it is likely that it is currently being reviewed. Thank you for your patience!