Headset Sizing/Frame Swap

ES01
ES01 Posts: 54
edited August 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I’m looking to rebuild a Merlin Malt build onto a Cove Handjob frame and have noticed that the Merlin uses a Cane Creek S2 headset which I believe is for a 1” head tube. I’m assuming the Cove uses standard 1 1/8”? Will the fork steerer tube diameter (Rock Shox Reba) be a standard size whether used with 1" or 1 1/8" head tube and allow me to just change headset or will I need to replace the fork and stem as well?
Are there any other parts that are not compatible between frames that anyone’s aware of, i.e. bottom bracket, seat post etc. I believe XT front derailleur allows for different seat tube diameters by changing spacers, is this right?

Comments

  • ES01
    ES01 Posts: 54
    Sorry, misunderstanding on my part! Does the 1" or 1 1/8" refer to fork steerer tube OD? If this is the case I take it new fork, stem and headset will be required? Although I don't understand how Merlin use 1" headset when rockshox website says steerer tube is 1 1/8"?! Help please!!
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    edited August 2008
    How old's the Malt? Bear in mind that 1" headsets for mountain bikes went out with the ark, so unless it's pretty old (say pre mid-nineties) or you're desparately unlucky it should be 1 1/8".

    If the headset is a 1" job, then unfortunately you'll have to change your forks too. It is possible to change the steerer or crown of your forks, but it's a very difficult and expensive job and not many people do it.

    The other possibility is to see if you can get a set of reducer collars which will allow you to use a 1" headset in a 1 1/8" frame.

    You'll also need to change seatpost (possibly), seatpost clamp, and you may need to change the front mech too if the cable routing is different, UNLESS you've got a multi-pull front mech.
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  • artillerydave
    artillerydave Posts: 715
    Merlin frames ar 1 1/8" headsets like the rest of us so don't worry.
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    artillerydave wrote:
    Merlin frames ar 1 1/8" headsets like the rest of us so don't worry.

    Yes, but he's right about the S2 being a 1" headset :?

    Which is weird (not that he's right being weird, I mean, before anybody bites me head off :shock: )
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  • ES01
    ES01 Posts: 54
    Thought it should be 1 1/8 however the spec sheet on this website for malt 4 says it uses S2 headset which threw me.

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