[boneman]

Shouldn't be a problem

I have an FSA Orbit X for a 1" steerer. Seems like an obvious one but I assume you've to the bearing cups in the correct position as far as lower and upper cup?

The compression ring is supposed to tighten up around the steerer. Uncompressed, the ID of the ring is about 1". The slight gap, if any, should be covered by the top o-ring and will not affect the functionality of the headset. The ID of the bearing itself is too large to function without the compression ring.

Another silly question but is it possible that you have a 1.125" steerer and a headset for 1" steerer?

As for the second part, it's no to all. No need to lubricate anything except to ease assembly.

 

[boneman]

Give FSA a call?

Based on the photos, everything seems correct but I agree that the gap's quite large.

Before resorting to filing down the top of the compression ring or the bottom of the bearing cap, I'd give FSA a call.

Full Speed Ahead Headquarters
12810 NE 178th St. Suite 102
Woodinville, WA 98072
Phone – 425 488 8653
Toll Free – 877 RIDE FSA
Fax – 425 489 1082
e-mail – [email protected]

 

[boneman]

Clarification

On my Orbit X, the fork crown race is solid and the compression ring, fitting into the upper bearing is split.

On my Orbit Extreme, the fork crown race is split and the compression ring is also split. Note that the two rings are quite different in size and profile.

Both are 1" steerer set ups.

It definitely looks like the upper compression ring is correctly placed but I if it did come with a split crown race bearing, worth looking into. FWIW, my split fork crown race had a much rougher finish than the upper ring and the upper ring fits quite nicely, either model, into the upper bearing when fitted without the steerer.

 

[boneman]

FSA installation directions

The most difficult part of this entire installation is making sense of FSA's instructions... from looking at the pictures on the supplied instructions, I gathered that the solid ring was the fork race. I pressed it on (it was tight). The Orbit X picture on the instructions, when compared with the other models, didn't show an installation of the compression ring. That's why I'm wondering why the compression ring was even included-- have they designed it out, yet still included it?

Do you recall if your Orbit X has the flange on the bottom of the top piece of the headset?

These are FSA instructions-

Threadless Headset Installation
Please read carefully. For best results, consult a qualified mechanic at your nearest
professional bike shop.

1. Install the headset crown race on the front fork, making sure it is seated completely and level on the fork crown.

All FSA threadless headset crown races except the DL and The Pig are split to permit easy installation without tools. The Pig and DL crown races may require a fork race punch to seat completely. see eflayer2's post.

2. Make sure your frame™s head tube is properly faced, then install the upper and lower cups onto the frame™s head tube using a headset press.
3. For the XLII cartridge bearing model, cartridges fit only one way.
· For the Xtreme cartridge bearing model, cartridges are pre.installed in the cups and should never be removed.
4. Make sure the crown seal is in place in the lower headset cup. For the DL model install the lower seal onto the crown race. For the Xtreme model (1.1/8l. only), install the conical seal into the crown race with the cup side facing up toward the cartridge bearing.
5. For the XLII cartridge bearing model, cartridges fit only one way.
· For the Xtreme cartridge bearing model, cartridges are pre.installed in the cups and should never be removed.
6. Insert the fork™s steerer tube into the frame, with all bearings in place. Place the top
adjusting cone (the part with the USA patent number on it) on the top of the fork steerer and slide it down until it rests against the top bearing. For the XLII and Xtreme, the compression ring fits directly against the bearing followed bythe cover (see drawing)