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FSA headset - where does this washer go?

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8.7K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  scuollo  
S
#1 ·
My Look frame came with a FSA headset assembly. Included was a thin metal ring, the ID matches the OD of the steer tube. Is this the "special ring" called for in the Look schematic? The picture, however, looks like a cone shape, and I cannot see why they would want me to put an ugly bare metal washer under any top cap, especially a carbon one.

I saw some FSA diagrams, for other headset styles, that show a thin washer placed in top of the bearings and under the cover/cone. No diagrams can be found on the FSA website.

Anyone know about this?

BTW - I posted this in the Look forum too, in case anyone sees that. Sorry, upon review I thought it is better posted here...
 
#2 · (Edited)
Most likely that is a thin metal micro spacer used for increasing the gap between top cap and head tube and typically such spacers are inserted on top of the upper bearing race compression ring before the top cap is installed. Note #4 in the image below is an example of a micro spacer in an FSA headset:

Image
 
F
#3 ·
The split conical ring that centers the top race is a split cone and without it the headset won't work. I assume that's in the right place, and you're referring to a thin headset spacer which sits atop the centering cone and drives it down as the headset is adjusted.

On many headsets that can be done with the stem or any spacer, but some stems and headsets require a minimum clearance to prevent unwanted contact or deflection of moving vs stationary headset parts.
 
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