New Headset Baseplate needed?

[ipenguinking]

Do I actually need a new baseplate when installing a new fork on my bike? Assuming the original baseplate is being removed from original fork probably and there is no plan to re-use the old fork. The HS is Chris King 1 1/8 and the baseplate is in stainless stee.

[seandonovan]

By "Baseplate" do you mean Crown Race?

[ipenguinking]

Yes. CK call its crown race=baseplate

[Camilo]

The crown race (what you're calling the baseplate) is actually matched with the headset, not the fork. It should follow the headset, and if the fork is re-used, the headset that is installed should have its own crown race. However, I believe that crown races are functionally equivalent if they're from the same type of headset - for example, one IS41's (aka cane creek type) bearing angles are the same as another, therefore the crown race should have exactly the same angled contact surface.

[ipenguinking]

Maybe I should rephrase my question:

I'm putting in a new fork. Is there any reason that I should not recycle the existing crown race?

[sanrensho]

I've never had a problem reusing a baseplate/crown race. As long as it isn't damaged, go ahead and reuse it. The CK baseplate is particularly solid, so I wouldn't worry about it all.

[prendrefeu]

While you're at it, and since this is WW, get the Ti "baseplate" from Chris King.
It's lighter, and therefore righter.