I was lucky enough to have Specialized send me the other front brake holder that has a lower cable insertion that allows you to remove the spacers without interfering with the front brake. The problem is the little top cap of the headset that contacts the frame and the headset compression plug will not seat properly with the frame. There is a ~1mm gap between the two no matter how much I tighten the top cap. Is there some trick to getting it to align with the frame? Am I missing some rubber gasket or something? Is the cap suppose to snap over the ring? Thanks for the help.
You will often see that little gap. On a new, internal headset headtube, you aren’t supposed to need it faced, but a good LBS can. Might just be the layer of paint in there?
edit: Oh, and you are sure you have the upper bearing in the right way? 45 degree angle side DOWN?
I’d take it to a trusted, good local wrench. They can maybe face it, press the bearing in better, or possibly use an O-ring. A properly installed internal headset pretty much lasts the life of the bike - but improper wears out fast and can even damage the headtube and ruin the frame.
Ignore those other comments (no offense guys). The solution to your issue is to simply take off your cane creek top cap, you don’t need it. The specialized cable hanger doubles as a top cap - you’ve essentially stacked up 2 top caps… hence the funny look.
Here is what it should look like. I just built this up 3 days ago and still have to cut down the steerer a little more. let me know if you have any related questions.
Another question, the front brake holder seems to have less of an insert creating an even larger opening. Should I face off the compression plug to make up the difference? Also, what prevents you from over-facing it to the point where you are not applying enough pressure onto the bearings? Did you put any gasket or anything between the front brake thing and the frame? Thanks again.
