Easton Bike

Preparing the Fork

• Avoid scratching or scoring the steerer tube surface. Any damage to the steerer tube could cause failure.
• Apply a small amount of grease to the fork crown race seat. Do NOT make any modifications to the crown race area of the fork. Only use a headset race with the correct inside diameter for your fork steerer tube.
• Hold one leg of the fork securely and, using an appropriate race seating tool, install the headset crown race. Do not place the fork on the dropout tips or crown while installing the race. Doing so can damage the fork and could cause failure (Figure 2).
• Assemble the fork, headset and any spacers in the head tube of the bicycle and slide on the stem (Figure 3).
• The spacer stack below the stem must not exceed 50 mm (Figure 4).
• A carbon steerer tube must extend 7-8 mm above the top of the stem clamp and have a 10 mm spacer installed between the stem and the top cap (Figure 5).
• Carefully measure and mark the amount of steerer tube that you will need to remove. Remember that, when cut, the top of the steerer tube must be 2-3 mm below the top of the headset/ spacer/stem assembly (Figure 6).
• Remove the fork from the bicycle.
• Make absolutely certain that you do not cut the steerer tube too short.
• Using a new fine tooth hacksaw and proper cutting guide, cut the steerer tube.
• Carefully sand or file the rough edges until smooth.
• Clean the steerer tube and inside of the stem clamp with alcohol to remove grease and dirt; then let dry.

CAUTION!
Never use a star-fangled nut with a carbon steerer tube.

• Install insert nut into fork and thread until 6–7 mm below top end of steerer tube (Figure 7). Confirm thread friction holds insert nut in steerer tube without movement.

Installing the Fork

• Assemble the fork, headset, spacers, top cap and top cap bolt in the head tube of the bicycle and slide on the stem (Figure 8).
• Adjust headset tension using a 5 mm hex wrench according to the headset manufacturer’s instructions. If the headset manufacturer has not specified torque, tighten to 1.6 Nm (15 in-lbs).
• Torque the stem steerer clamp bolts as specified by the stem manufacturer.
• Only use the front brake nut supplied with the fork to mount the front brake.
• Install the front brake following the brake manufacturer’s instructions.

• Follow the wheel manufacturer’s instructions for correct clamping of the wheel quick release and install the front wheel.

  Failure to properly adjust the quick release and secure the wheel can result in serious injury or death.

• Adjust the front brake following the brake manufacturer’s instructions.

  Failure to properly install and adjust brakes can result in serious injury or death.

• When using a dropout clamping bicycle rack, always clamp the dropouts securely to prevent dropout and/or bike damage. If the clamp is loose, the bike may fall out of the rack. When removing the fork from the clamp, be sure to remove both dropouts evenly at the same time. Do not tilt the bike to one side, because dropout damage can result (Figure 8).

  Dropout damage can cause component failure, which can result in serious injury or death.

Maintenance

• Do not modify the fork in any way, other than cutting the steerer tube to the correct length for your bike.

  Modifying the fork could cause fork or other component failure resulting in serious injury or death.

• Always loosen the stem’s steerer clamp bolts before attempting to make stem/fork alignment adjustments.
• Periodically remove, clean, and inspect your fork for any damage or cracks. If you have any questions about a mark on the fork, consult your Easton dealer immediately.
• Regularly inspect all components for any damage (cracks, chips, etc.) and replace component upon detection.
• In case of a crash or any impact, carefully check your bars, stem, fork, seat post, wheels, and frame for any visible damage. As with any component under varying stress, there is a limited fatigue life that is proportional to the use and abuse of the part. Inspect your components often. If you have any doubts about the integrity of any part, REPLACE IT. Consult your Easton dealer if you are unsure about the condition of your components or any part of your bicycle.