I am getting ready for a quick overnight tour this weekend, and got an itch that I might as well try out a new / old headset that has been sitting on my bench for a while now. Having bounced around the globe, and up and down the west coast, I had the green light from the previous owner that it was mine (thank you). Combining that with the Paul Comp Funky Monkey sitting around for months now too, it was time…the starting point
and the inspiration for change..
Having the proper tools for the job only makes things better.
You may have noticed the faced head tube surface, and Yes the Ramblers will be like that in the box, it is the right way to do things. Everything went together smooth as butter
Why change it all yo might be wondering? After all it was working just fine, love the silky smooth King headset. The NOS Stronglight headset has roller bearings that reputedly will have a beneficial effect on any shimmy that could occur with Low Trail bikes. So far everything has been really good on mine as well as other Ramblers. Shimmy has net been an issue unless pushing the limits of low tire pressure, loose headsets or floppy loads, all things you should be avoiding anyway. Since I do get questions on the issue, it was time to try out a roller bearing headset on a Rambler for myself. I have used them on other bikes, and honestly if things are all in balance, shimmy has not been an issue for me regardless of the headset type. The second reason was to confirm the clearance of the Funky Monkey cable stop with the biggest headset I could find, not a problem at all, room to spare. Having tried most cable stops currently available, this one is hands down the nicest.
Now to get all the work for the day done so I can head up into the back country tomorrow afternoon with some friends. Happy Friday, and get out there and ride this weekend!