Any question answered...

Can I use any top cap? Do I need more spacers under the stem so it will sit flush?

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Can I use any top cap? Do I need more spacers under the stem

You need one on top of the stem, either a spacer integrated with the top cap or a separate one with a conventional top cap. Don't put any more under the stem, or the top of your steerer will be below the top of the stem, which is a bad thing.

Is it possible for a cartridge bearing headset to cause brinelling? I seem to have managed it. Admittedly it is on a cargo bike that's seen 50 000 km and hasn't seen a bearing change in that time.

Does one wear bib-shorts to a spin class?

Typically only a thong is worn. Don't make the mistake of turning up over dressed, it's a terrible faux-pas.

No.

And yes (sort of).

The term is, incorrectly, used to describe pits in the bearing race caused by micro-welds between the bearing and the race, caused by vibration from the road. When the welds are broken (when you steer), material is removed from the softer race, rather than the from the harder bearing.

As headset bearings return to the same place (when you straighten the steering), the repeated forming and breaking of welds creates pits; these pits resemble the results of a Brinell hardness test, hence the misnomer.

With a sealed bearing, this all takes place inside the bearing and unless you've opened it up wouldn't be visible, so I doubt that's what you're referring to.

What is the best/cheapest online place to order replacement mudguard stays for Gilles Berthoud 60mm?

With a sealed bearing, this all takes place inside the bearing and unless you've opened it up wouldn't be visible, so I doubt that's what you're referring to.

But I assume I'd feel it? So just a change of bearings, rather than a full headset replacement.

I got some from SJS

Does anyone own Mavic Open Sup rims and would be able to tell me the rim tape width necessary?
If not, how does one pick the rim tape width?
I understood that measuring rim width (13 mm if I'm correct for these) give information regarding tire width range possible, but I'm quite new regarding the rim tape width question.

The steering feels "notchy"? Is this what you mean, when you say "I seem to have managed it."?

If so, then I'd think new bearings are all you'd need. But when you strip it down, check that the bearings are still a snug fit in the cup or seat.

I recently thought I'd brinnelled a cartridge headset, but it was just over-tightened. Once I'd taken it out to check which cartridge I needed to buy and put it back, it was fine. I hadn't done 50k on it, however.

The steering feels "notchy"? Is this what you mean, when you say "I seem to have managed it."?

Yup, it locks into the straight ahead position. Feels exactly like it does on threaded headsets. It's probably been ridden slightly loose at some point as these proprietary headsets are an odd design that requires thread lock to keep them tight.

Thanks.

You should be able to feel it with the bearing out of the headset then.

If the headset has been loose, you should definitely check the cups/seats aren't deformed.

I have a Tiagra 4700 Chainset and I'd quite like to swap out the 50 tooth ring with a 46 tooth one - is there a compatible one? I'm confusing myself with arm/bolt numbers.

I'd quite like to swap out the 50 tooth ring with a 46 tooth one - is there a compatible one?

6800 or any compatible 110mm 4-bolt asymmetric chain ring will fit, but you will need new nuts and bolts

I have this on 5800, works fine.

Hi :)
As DHL, etc are really expensive, how do you send a frame from UK to France ? Any cheap and secure way ? Postal service are OK ? Is there any company who use relay point ?
Thanks !

check out parcel2go.com

Is there any reason not to drill holes and use m5 rivnuts in a steel frame with no bottle bosses instead of getting them added by a frame builder? Not arsed about aesthetics...

Nope, provided it's not a top end steel frame made with wafferthin steel, in which case strengthening pieces around the bosses might be a good idea. But if it's just boggo steel, rivnuts are fine. Put a blob of epoxy on them when you insert them to help prevent them spinning in the future.

Yeah its just bog standard, heavy as fook pig iron... Good shout with the epoxy, cheers!

as sumo said, check parcel2go. and make sure that the parcel is less then a meter long. easily done by removing fork or if a small frame, flipping it backward.

@Sumo @Rodolfo
Thanks, already checked parcel2go before asking here, I had just TNT .. more than 200£ because I've put some basic bike box size.

I mailed a bike (60cm st and tt) from UK to France for £38 with UPS including £800 insurance. Fully tracked and arrived within 3 days.

I got a regular cardboard bike box and cut it up to make it shorter which helps massively with the shipping cost.