Integrated headsets

El Gordo
El Gordo Posts: 394
edited March 2008 in Workshop
I'm looking to replace my old ali frame with something a bit more interesting. Either CF or titanium, I can't decide.

But what I really want to know at the moment is that if I were to get a new frame designed for an integrated headset would I still be able to use my non-integrated fork? If not then that will cut down my options a bit (which will help the decision).

Comments

  • Pirahna
    Pirahna Posts: 1,315
    You can use a non integrated fork with an integrated headset, it just looks a bit funny.

    An integrated headset fork is wider at the top to give the appearance of blending in with the head tube, so with your old fork you'll lose that integrated look.
  • greg roche
    greg roche Posts: 124
    It also depends what fork you have. Some are universal anyhow - the Easton range, for example - so you can swap them across and they won't look odd either.

    Greg
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Be aware that a few CF frames these days feature a 1.25" lower headset bearing - they are likely only to be sold with a matching fork - models are made by Ridley, Kuota and a few others. Incidentally, many ti makers have resorted back to non-integrated designs due to cracking (litespeed) and the fact that it costs/weighs more to form/ machine titanium into an integrated headtube design
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • z000m
    z000m Posts: 544
    ive never heard of a non integrated fork. an intergrated headset is integrated into the frame and all forks integrate with the frame.
    New Build
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    An integrated fork crown features a flared crown to match the wider diameter headtube of an integrated headtube - fitting one to an non-IS frame can look a bit odd, but functionally it'll work perfectly, likewise, vice-versa.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • El Gordo
    El Gordo Posts: 394
    Chears guys.

    I suppose it would be a bit of a shame to get a nice flowing CF frame only to ruin the look with an abrupt step at the fork crown.

    I think I'll stick to non-integrated headsets then. I've never really been convinced about the benefits of integrated headsets anyway (apart from the looks).
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    El Gordo wrote:
    I've never really been convinced about the benefits of integrated headsets anyway (apart from the looks).

    Indeed. Yet another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    El Gordo wrote:
    I think I'll stick to non-integrated headsets then. I've never really been convinced about the benefits of integrated headsets anyway (apart from the looks).
    That will rather seriously limit your choice of frames though (even though you're right about the lack of benefits apart from aesthetic - but then how many on here don't include aesthetics in purchasing choices, as it seems you are!)
  • El Gordo
    El Gordo Posts: 394
    Well, since we're talking about it we might as well do the 'can you recommend me a frame' thing.

    So, I'm after a road frame more designed for all day comfort rather than all out racing. I've got about £600 to spend.

    I think the front runner in my mind is a Van Nic Euros but is there anything better for that sort of money?

    Oh, and it must have a non-integrated headset!

Categories