Headset topcap upgrade on '13 Alloy Synapse

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identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

Trying to shed a few g's here and there on my 2013 Alloy Synapse (intro and pics once I've got the first round of upgrades done) and one of the problems I'm encountering is the 25mm headset topcap.
I know it's probably no more than a few g's but it's irritating.
According to 2 Cannondale specialists I need to buy a complete new headset, for £55, in order to use the top half (since the bottom won't fit) just so I can get that part.

Really? :?

While on headsets, am I limited only to Cannondale offerings? Or could I upgrade the whole shooting match to something nicer/lighter/better quality?
Last edited by identiti66 on Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

by Weenie


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MisterMuncher
Posts: 268
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:15 am

by MisterMuncher

IIRC, any 42mm/28.6mm top should do the trick. Cane Creek website is great for this sort of info.

I managed to get 5mm top cone replacements for my Synapse and CAAD10 by asking nicely in the LBS if they had anything suitable. Don't think I paid more than a tenner either. Try them out. I think the 5mm hidden cap of the SuperSix headset will work, but it's not perfect. These can be obtained individually from a few places, Dr Cannondale springs to mind. Newer versions don't have SuperSix printed on them, either, which is nice.

identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

Thanks..

My LBS pretty much only sells Claud Butler, I'd have to venture quite a bit further afield and cross my fingers.

It'd help if I had a clue, not dealt with internal headsets or road bikes before this.

MisterMuncher
Posts: 268
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:15 am

by MisterMuncher

If it's any help. The cone is just a spacer with a bit of a dust seal on it. You don't need to change any other bits of the headset if you're changing it. I don't think there's any massive saving in weight to be had over stock that would justify changing bearings or any other bit special.

You are UK/Europe based? Dr Cannondale in Germany, Westbrook Cycles or Qwerty Cycles should be able to sort you for parts.

MisterMuncher
Posts: 268
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:15 am

by MisterMuncher

Just to add. If I get a chance later, I'll get a picture of the SS cap on my Synapse Alloy. It's very very close to exactly right, so you can see if it's singeing you could live with.

VTBike
Posts: 383
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 8:14 pm

by VTBike

By headset topcap, are you talking about the "conical spacer" that often sits at between the stem and the top of the frame?
Check item 110962175559 on ebay. Offers you a few diff. options so you can get your geometry correct. Otherwise, just search for conical spacer.. common item.
Sorry if that's not what you're talking about!

identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

They are exactly what I'm on about, thank you.

Will any of those fit the bike?? It's currently sporting a 25mm and I'd keep that height.

identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

MisterMuncher wrote:If it's any help. The cone is just a spacer with a bit of a dust seal on it.


Sorry, I missed this post.

Is it really that simple?

So this would be ok too??

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/pz-r ... -prod94781

I'd need another 15mm of plain spacers but still.

MisterMuncher
Posts: 268
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:15 am

by MisterMuncher

That's showing as a 35mm spacer for me, but in theory, if the inner diameter is 1 1/8" /28.6mm and the outer is 42mm, any one will do.

identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

Ok. Thanks. I was over complicating things, as usual.

That one means a 25mm conical spacer plus 2 x 5mm ones giving an overall height of 35mm?

I need 50mm total so I don't mind if the conical one is more, just haven't seen any more than 25mm on my travels.

MisterMuncher
Posts: 268
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:15 am

by MisterMuncher

My bad. I had assumed you wanted to go lower, as that's what I did and is the usual complaint with that big spacer.

Mind you, it weighs all of 27g, so you'd save about 10-12 gram on the upgrade.

Valbrona
Posts: 1629
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:25 am
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

by Valbrona

identiti66 wrote:My LBS pretty much only sells Claud Butler, ...


Ooh.

identiti66
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Location: Suffolk, UK

by identiti66

Valbrona wrote:
identiti66 wrote:My LBS pretty much only sells Claud Butler, ...


Ooh.


He's a good guy though. Wasted on the local market.

I went in there for a brake inner cable and he looked like he was about to fall over. Had to guess a price too.

by Weenie


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