Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap: Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums

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Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap

armytri3

Jan 18, 11 10:26

Post #1 of 23 (4091 views)

Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap	Quote \| Reply

Can anyone elaborate on a brand or how to do what Dan mentioned in the article with regards to the headset topcap and intergrated casing stop.

For this reason, if I were to buy this bike, I'd immediately ditch the original equipment headset top cap and front brake casing stop and replace them with a non-O.E., but available, headset top cap featuring an integrated casing stop. The total height of this piece is 5mm, and, this gives the stem (and I'd probably end up replacing the O.E. stem with one having a horizontal pitch) a fighting chance of sitting at least partly in that notch Specialized has created for it. If I was a Specialized retailer planning on selling a lot of Transitions, I'd immediately order a minimum of two dozen of this integrated top cap + casing stop

grosso27

Jan 18, 11 10:41

Post #2 of 23 (4078 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [armytri3] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Specialized makes it. If you sweet-talk the guys at Specialized, they may or may not send you one, if they have one laying around.
Otherwise, your local Specialized shop should surely be able to get it for you, but you might have to explain it carefully if they are not super into the Tri line.

It's an integrated headset top-cap & brake hanger, that hangs lower than the stock one.
The stock hanger is built into a 5mm spacer, and then you have the headset top cap below it, also 5mm if I recall correctly.

The integrated one does the trick of both, and also gives you more room for your front brake cable, which is great if you are running no spacers & flat stem.

If you don't have luck getting one from Specialized, you can search google & come up with many many results for 'cyclocross front brake hanger,' though that probably won't be integrated into the headset cap.

Make sense?

armytri3

Jan 18, 11 10:43

Post #3 of 23 (4073 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [grosso27] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Awesome, makes total sense to me. I will explain it to my shop or if you don't mind printing that out and taking it in. They were looking for something aftermarket and couldn't find anything.

Thanks again.

grosso27

Jan 18, 11 10:45

Post #4 of 23 (4068 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [armytri3] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Take a look at the pic posted by Campled on this thread:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...ront_brake_P2216753/

If that doesn't help you, let me know & I'll take a pic of it for you tonight.
I don't have it installed at the moment, so it'll be easy for you to see how it works.

msuguy512

Jan 18, 11 11:48

Post #5 of 23 (4051 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [armytri3] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I have an extra one if you need it. It is the one with the shorter drop to the broke cable holder, so if you do not run any spacers under your stem it might be too cramped.

armytri3

Jan 18, 11 12:56

Post #6 of 23 (4031 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [msuguy512] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I just may need it thanks, I will let you know. My bike will be in this week and will start the build process soon. I am going in there tonight to talk to them about it.

Thank you again.

Racing Yoda

Feb 19, 11 10:16

Post #7 of 23 (3919 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [grosso27] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I gotta say, this has been a lot harder to do. There are two types. I have a bike shop that has both types, one on an S-Works and one on a pro.

I have asked two different bike shops to get the larger drop and is thinner for the steerer tube. Both bike shops have been very good about trying to get the part. They have been on the phone with Specialized several times.

Specialized only sends the 25 mm type hanger. So this makes it very hard to drop the aerobars or flip the stem to get lower.

I have resolved the fact that I am going with a tektro cross hanger that has a 40mm drop and 5mm spacer for the steerer tube.

As Dan said in his article, [Specialized and] the bike shops should get the longer hangers that is also thinner for the steerer tube. But, also, Specialized should make it or make it available if it is made.

geetee

Feb 22, 11 11:31

Post #8 of 23 (3873 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [NM Outlaw] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Does the Transition take a 1" or 1 1/8" headset? FSA makes an internal headset top cap with built-in cable hanger that might work:

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/...ucts/303/Orbit-IS-CX

Looks like Ritchey has one also:

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/...ategory.php?k=307251

Although it sounds like you just need the top bearing cover.

CW in NH

Apr 22, 12 18:11

Post #9 of 23 (1933 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [msuguy512] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Are you running a fixed stem angle, or a Spec Pro Set Stem.

I was wondering if you could use a 1-1/8" proset stem (with shim) on the "long" Transition hanger, (since it's essentially a spacer over a spacer). I'd hazard a guess that it would not be recommended, but maybe its fine. I like the adjustabilty of the ProSet stem, so I'd prefer to go that way but would go fixed angle if thats safer.

Thanks

FatandSlow

Apr 22, 12 19:00

Post #10 of 23 (1921 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [geetee] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

IIRC, the Transition takes a 1 inch headset.

grosso27

Apr 22, 12 21:22

Post #11 of 23 (1893 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [CW in NH] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Yeah, you're fine doing that. You just have to use the shims for a 1 1/8th steertube, as the integrated topcap/hanger shims the 1" steertube up to 1 1/8th.

I've run that setup for a while, no issues. My biggest issue was the gap b/t the underside of the topcap & the top of the headtube (the stock compression ring is less that ideal), but a bit of grinding took care of that in a snap.

CW in NH

Apr 23, 12 5:57

Post #12 of 23 (1861 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [grosso27] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Quote:

I've run that setup for a while, no issues. My biggest issue was the gap b/t the underside of the topcap & the top of the headtube (the stock compression ring is less that ideal), but a bit of grinding took care of that in a snap.

When you say compression ring do you mean the split ring that centers the inner race of the upper bearing. If so, yeah, that's the first thing that I noticed.

grosso27

Apr 23, 12 7:39

Post #13 of 23 (1852 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [CW in NH] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Yeah, that's the ring that provides contact between the headset top cap & the upper bearing, and thereby loads the system (compression).

The story there is that since 1" compression rings are not easy to come by, Specialized basically decided that the stock one, which is too tall for the aftermarket integrated hanger, would suffice, as opposed to sourcing & supplying a new one.

So you either live with the gap, or you grind down the aluminum a few mm.

MITaerobike

Apr 24, 12 10:05

Post #14 of 23 (1802 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [armytri3] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

There are parts in stock at our warehouse in Salt Lake City.

It's part number W70940011. Your dealer should be able to order these no problem.

Mark
--
Mark Cote
MITAerobike (ST, Twitter)
Specialized Bicycle Components
Performance Road - Triathlon - Aero

Hydro

Apr 24, 12 10:36

Post #15 of 23 (1797 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [MITaerobike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Good to know - thanks very much for that info, Mark!

Cheers, Chris

___________________________________________________
"You were sick, but now you're well again, and there's work to do" - Kilgore Trout

cvcabran

Jul 31, 12 16:33

Post #16 of 23 (1371 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [MITaerobike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I tried to locate one of these parts through my local dealer, and his rep told him that they are out of stock and no longer in production. Does any one have a spare that they are looking to sell?

bicyclpete

Aug 9, 12 9:20

Post #17 of 23 (1274 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [cvcabran] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

As of August 8th' 2012...Local bike says they called Specialized in Utah and the hangar and part number aren't valid and must be a prototype.

I explained this thread and told them a high level Spec. Rep was the one who posted the info.

Any other ideas how to get this part from Specialized?

cvcabran

Aug 9, 12 10:38

Post #18 of 23 (1258 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [bicyclpete] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

A couple of things I learned from my LBS:

- The part is a warranty part (as opposed to a consumer part?) so they have to look in a different system.
- Their rep said they are out of stock and not being produced anymore, which I guess makes sense since it came with the *S-Works* Transition, which is out of production.

I looked into alternatives and actually bought the following parts:

http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Binder-Bicycle-Cable-Hanger/dp/B002G37YW6/ref=pd_sim_sg_5
http://www.amazon.com/..._details_o01_s00_i00

In hopes of doing something like this:

http://hoyerfamily.com/cyclocross/?p=77

But I was lucky enough to find someone that had the Specialized part for sale. So I have both hangers, unused, which I can ship to anyone interested for $5ea, PP'ed and shipped.

OldeMan

Mar 11, 13 23:45

Post #19 of 23 (453 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [MITaerobike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi,
Wonder if you have anymore of the headset top cap and brake hanger combo available. I need one unfortunately Specialized does not have them and my lbs "don't have a clue."

razmaspaz

May 15, 13 8:38

Post #20 of 23 (141 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [OldeMan] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I thought I would provide an update on this since I finally managed to track one down.

I found the part on eBay by some serious searching, and may have literally found the last one available on the interwebs. But this seems to be the only way to get one anymore, unless your LBS was experienced at selling Transitions and has this part in stock, Specialized is definitely out of it.

On installation when I got the part, it was straightforward to remove the stem, spacers, and top cap and just slide this on the steerer tube. There was a very small 1-2mm gap between the frame and the top cap, which I think is either the new top cap or a bad seating of the bearing race for the headset. I'm curious if others see this gap. Moving on, the part itself does not provide enough spacing between the steerer tube and the stem to allow the stem to be adequately tightened, but the LBS happened to have a specialized stem spacer kit that included a spacer appropriate for my needs, so that problem was quickly solved. It also happened to not come with an adjuster barrel so I needed to find one because the size used on this hangar was different from the thread size for the one that came with the bike. Brilliant!

Anyway, if you are lucky enough to track one of these down, those are some things you should know before you tear your stack apart to install it.

tvmendoza

May 15, 13 8:58

Post #21 of 23 (134 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [razmaspaz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I have the same gap between the frame and the top cap, i was wondering about that.

So right now you have frame then this thing correct? -> Frame -> this thing-> stem -> spacers(if you have)?
-------------------------------------
Getting yelled by:
http://www.fmcoaching.com/

razmaspaz

May 15, 13 9:07

Post #22 of 23 (128 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [tvmendoza] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

tvmendoza wrote:

I have the same gap between the frame and the top cap, i was wondering about that.

So right now you have frame then this thing correct? -> Frame -> this thing-> stem -> spacers(if you have)?

If by "this thing" you mean an integrated top cap and brake cable hangar (henceforth known as "this thing", then yes, thats my "stack". Curiously, when I saw the gap I assumed I had done something wrong, so I put the old top cap back on, and it has a slightly smaller, but still visible gap. My other bikes do not suffer this indignity, they have a flush top cap, which is why I'm suspicious of the bearing seat.

tvmendoza

May 15, 13 9:10

Post #23 of 23 (121 views)

Re: Question about Specialized Transition Headset Topcap [razmaspaz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

yep the thingy.
I have the same problem, and yes all my bikes dont have this problem.
-------------------------------------
Getting yelled by:
http://www.fmcoaching.com/