Ultegra 1" Threaded Sealed Bearing HS Install

The bearings shouldn't be at risk because they shouldn't be in place
when you put in the cups. Remove the bearings, THEN install the
headset. It should work just fine.

I've installed several of these on my bikes using a homemade HS press.
Take the bearings out before setting the cups in, then drop 'em back
in. No problem.

IMHO the Ultegra cartridge HS is a wonderful value -- smooth, reliable,
well sealed, no adjustment hassles, trouble-free even after ~15k miles
on one of my bikes. But its 37.5 mm stack height may not be compatible
with every fork.

Quoted message said:

A friend of mine is thinking of swapping out his trashed 105 loose ball
HS on his winter/rain bike for the Ultegra sealed bearing version.

Q: Can this be installed via the brass bushing/threaded rod method?
Will the sealed bearings be at risk of damage if I use this method?

The old 1055 headsets - which have a lifespan slightly longer than a
dragonfly's - had an unusually low stack height of 32mm. The Ultegra
won't fit unless the original builders added some spacers between the
locknut and top race. If not, he'll need to seek out another 32mm
headset [1], have a longer steerer tube brazed in, or buy a new fork
(which might as well be threadless, the way things are going, so that
would require a new stem too).

The bearing cartridges drop in after you've installed the cups and won't
be affected by the installation procedure. Go easy with the cups;
they're alloy.

[1] I believe some "track" headsets may have a similar stack height
because trackies usually have their bars as low as possible. Whether
they have any decent weather seals is another question.

Quoted message said:

A friend of mine is thinking of swapping out his trashed 105 loose ball
HS on his winter/rain bike for the Ultegra sealed bearing version.
Q: Can this be installed via the brass bushing/threaded rod method?
Will the sealed bearings be at risk of damage if I use this method?

Sure. Like most cartridge headsets, press the cups and crown
race seat first. Then install the bearing assemblies.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Thanks to all for the info!

App