Installing a headset

Pat said:

I want to eventually get a new 1 1/8" threadless headset for my project
mountain bike. When I asked about doing it myself at the LBS, the guy told
me I had to have a special tool to get the old one out and to press the new
one in. Is this right or can I manage to do it myself somehow?

it's not hard. use a big flat bladed screwdriver to knock out the old one. if
you do it from inside the head tube you won't do any damage. work your way
around while tapping the screwdriver with a wooden block. install the new ones
with a bit of great and a wooden block you can use a hammer to hit the bock.
just make sure it is fully seated. it works great and it is dirt easy. I just
put a Chris king on my bent that way.

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Pat said:

I want to eventually get a new 1 1/8" threadless headset for my

project

Quoted message said:

mountain bike. When I asked about doing it myself at the LBS, the guy

told

Quoted message said:

me I had to have a special tool to get the old one out and to press

the new

Quoted message said:

one in. Is this right or can I manage to do it myself somehow?

The "right" way to install is with a press, either home made or
commercial, but you can tap them on pretty easily if you go slow. I use
a piece of hardwood and a hammer. If it was a really nice frame, I'd
have the LBS do it, but since it's a project bike give it a whack
yourself.