RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
@Robert Holler , since it seems you have your thumb on the pulse of this headset thing, are these now available in a form factor compatible with the V20c?
Results of installing a Viscoset headset in an S40
- Thread starter SageRider
- Start date
I am interested as well though I remember a quote in one thread (can't seem to find it) that mentioned there were no V20 compatible Viscoset headsets.
I had an incident this spring where I started to weave a bit, overcorrected and hit the ditch. Resulted in a badly broken ankle. Would be nice to have a Viscoset like my Q45 to slow steering down a bit.
I am not 100% sure on the status of the newer Viscosets from Cane Creek - or which ones are available non-OEM to the consumer market as for a time they were only supplying to OEM. There is the "Hellbender 70" version that could technically work in the lower V20c bearing race, but I have not tried it and it would also add a bit of stack height to the overall setup - very slightly changing the head tube angle (probably not enough to matter a lot) but it would also in essence shorten the steer tube at the top - so I cannot say how that would impact the assembly/clamp overlap for the pivot clamp.
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
Can you tell me what spec headset comes in the V20c now, so I can contact Cane Creek and inquire about compatibility?
The V20C headset stock is FSA:
H2290 FSA engraving/upper and lower cups aluminum anodized black/bearings #MR136, MR127/6 - aluminum H6088 (OEM) Lower bearing changed to 45 degrees, bearing model MR222
Thats a lot of OEM speak lol.
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
I hate engineers in the bicycle industry
Thanks Robert It looks like the "Hellbender 70 Visco - ZS56/40 - Bottom - Mid Tune - BAA2188K" is the one that might fit in the lower race. Looks like I'll have to take the forks off and do some measurements to check size and thickness to see if there will be enough to safely attach the steering tube. The bike is currently on the trainer for my ankle rehab so may have to wait a bit.
The stock lower cup only has 2mm of "cup" that sits outside the frame - basically just a flange - this headset was/is to keep the front end as low as possible. The lower Hellbender Viscoset looks to have a cup that sits 7.5mm of cup outside the head tube - the bearing sits inside but the actual viscoset washers/grease sit in that extra 7mm of cup.
So that would be a reduction of about 5.5 mm or so of steer tube....
The V20C pivot clamp is 37mm tall. I imagine that would be acceptable loss of clamping area inside that clamp for some experimentation.
So that would be a reduction of about 5.5 mm or so of steer tube....
The V20C pivot clamp is 37mm tall. I imagine that would be acceptable loss of clamping area inside that clamp for some experimentation.
Thanks that saves me some measuring. I assume it's press fit and will need a tool to remove current and press in the new one it this correct?
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
So today I got it, not sure if ill install or return it though. The adding 7-8mm to the stack height under the boom is going to raise my bars 1" or more and im not sure that's acceptable for me. I have to deliberate a bit on this. 
Greg S
Well-Known Member
I’m curious as to the result if you decide to install it, photos of the install and completed installation would be appreciated.
No worries if you decide not to do it because of the increased handlebar height.
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
@Robert Holler I've never had to remove a headset cup before but I have a proper slide hammer to extract it straight out. Have you ever removed a cup and been able to reuse that same cup again or are they single use trash when removed? talking about the brand new frame because if I install this thing and don't like it, I want to be able to go back to stock
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chicorider
Zen MBB Master
I've reused aluminum headset cups in the past without problems. Just as you want to take it slow and be precise when pressing them in, keeping the cup straight and level as you press, you want to do the same when pushing them out. If you get the cup out and it looks fine, then it probably is. But if Robert comes on and gives you different advice, listen to him, not me.
Yes you just have to be careful popping out the cup and I HIGHLY recommend using a headset press to do any headset installs. Sometimes a decent shop can loan/rent you a headset press.
Did you decide to give a try or return it? I am interested in slowing down the handling of my V20.
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
Ok so the viscoset doesn't work on the V20C because the V20C steerer tube is 1.25" and not 1.125".
The upper cup presses into the frame just fine, but as soon as I tried to drop the rest of the assembly over the top I realized the tube was too big.
So if the S40 uses an 44mm upper cup, and a standard 1.125" steerer tube then it would fine for the S40. If you want to give it a go on your bike send me a DM and ill sell you this one.
Im very sad right now having wasted my time disassembling the bike and cutting my front brake hose to figure this out.
The upper cup presses into the frame just fine, but as soon as I tried to drop the rest of the assembly over the top I realized the tube was too big.
So if the S40 uses an 44mm upper cup, and a standard 1.125" steerer tube then it would fine for the S40. If you want to give it a go on your bike send me a DM and ill sell you this one.
Im very sad right now having wasted my time disassembling the bike and cutting my front brake hose to figure this out.
RojoRacing
Donut Powered Wise-guy
Slight change of plans. Im going to not reassemble the bike and hopefully the lower style viscoset arrives on Tuesday before Christmas. Now that i understand a bit more of the part # it seems like ZS56/40 option would work since the v20c uses a 56mm cup and the lower section of the tapered steerer tube is 40mm.
If this doesn't work ill give up.
If this doesn't work ill give up.
