Levo Gen 2 Anybody install EDC's steerer tube tool holder?

[RebornRider]

Yeah, we already have the SWAT multitool in the steerer tube, but I'm getting tired of faffing about (did I get that right? ) with a creaky headset. I can't keep it quiet for more than about 3 weeks. I think I read on this forum that one of you solved the recurring headset creak by installing the EDC V2. My guess is that the EDC provides more stable tension on the headset bearings, while the SWAT thing is a bit too flexy.

FWIW, the loop I'm stuck in goes like this:

1. Get fed up with creak. Disassemble headset, carefully reseat bearings, torque to about 2 Nm
2. Creak gone for a while, then it comes back. Tighten headset bolt 1/6 turn (with stem loose).
3. Repeat #2.
4. Repeat #2 again.
5. Go back to #1.

FWIW 2, I have replaced all the headset parts with a new kit (S182500005). Didn't help.

 

[RustyIron]

Hey, Rebo.
This isn't Levo-specific, but perhaps it will be helpful or at least give you ideas. The SWAT contraption preloads the headset bearings in a similar fashion as the EDC tool, and the preload force is the same. Once the headset is preloaded and the stem clamp tightened, the preload adjuster doesn't do much. I wouldn't expect that you'd see much difference between the two in regards to creaking.

My opinion of the integrated headset is that it's inexpensive to manufacture, and... and... that's it. It's not super-precise, and the result ins movement and creaking.

Recently I was in the same boat as you, but I was already running the EDC. Of course my goal was to solve the problem by the least expensive method possible. Clear cut solutions weren't evident to me. Chris King makes pretty good claims for their headsets. I called them up and asked about using the EDC tool. They told me it would be fine. So I ended up choosing the MOST expensive solution possible and had them send me one.

First off, the Chris King product is clearly better. Rather than stamped and rolled parts, the Kings are machined. That accounts for some of the price and should reduce some movement. Is it worth another hundred bucks? I can't say.

What I CAN say is that the new King is quieter than the old Cane Creak. I can't say if it's 100% silent, as my bike still makes a lot of noise when there's a severe impact. When that happens, the noises are so loud that it's hard to tell what's going on. But it's quieter than it was before. That's for sure.

 

[salko]

I have absolutely no issues with SWAT tool in my Levo.

 

[RebornRider]

I have absolutely no issues with SWAT tool in my Levo.

I'm so happy for you! I'm wondering if the tolerances of the bearing pockets in carbon frames are not as tight as alloy frames, which might allow the bearings to move around on some frames.