[RDU]

Poor man's crown race tool. What can I use to seat it without damaging the race surface?

 

[kidwoo]

Soft wood (pine) and a hammer, or some beefy pvc that fits over your steerer tube but catches the race.

 

[Repack]

I drilled a 1-1/8" hole through a 2x4, clamped it in a vise, and then hammered the fork down into it. Don't forget to grease it.

 

[Biscuit]

I just open a large crescent wrench to 1 1/8" wide and hit it with a hammer. Rotating to ensure it sits square.

 

[Dirty]

why not jus go by the local shop for this and not risk damaging the race?

it isnt usually something that you do very often...and i mean itll take a shop like 2 seconds with a crown race tool and they shouldnt really charge anything for something that easy....

 

[RDU]

I used a PVC pipe and punched it in. Worked just ine. Thanks for the idea.

 

[gtbike]

Just take a litlle trip down to your local reliable LBS. They can seat it for you and also check your frame for eccentricity while you are there. They would probably only charge a six pack of Pepsi (or other!) and you make a good connection withh the guys there. I have always taken my bike in for things I do not feel like doing or do not have the proper tools for (except maint). Now when I go in, I get lot's of stuff for a six pack.

 

[RDU]

these days, all the LBS around here seems to wanna nickel and dime you for every little damn thing. Can't blame then I guess

 

[gorgechris]

Originally posted by gtbike
Just take a litlle trip down to your local reliable LBS. They can seat it for you and also check your frame for eccentricity while you are there. They would probably only charge a six pack of Pepsi (or other!) and you make a good connection withh the guys there. I have always taken my bike in for things I do not feel like doing or do not have the proper tools for (except maint). Now when I go in, I get lot's of stuff for a six pack.

I'm more for self-sufficiency. Your LBS is probably not open at 9:00 PM the evening before a big ride, when you're swapping out forks. I'm very good friends with the owners of my LBS, I do the books for their club, ride with them, go to dinner with them, do yoga with them, etc. I give them my business when it comes to purchasing clothing, parts, and bikes. So you can't say I'm putting the hurt down on them by removing/installing my own races.

I use a long, narrow punch, but I really like the 2x4 idea. Damn, youse monkeys is smart folks!