integrated to conventional headset? can i just change it?

DW01

Hi guys,

if anyone could help me it would be much appreciated.

I currently have an integrated headset on my bike and was wondering if i can just buy a conventional headset like an FSA obrit x (which I have already gone and bought) and just change them?

finally my old headset used a compression cap. how does this screw cap work?

many thanks

rake

cant change it. its bonded into the frame if it carbon and part of it if its aluminium. why do you want to change it?

DW01

well my current headset needs replacing as there is play in the front end and the allen key hole for the compression plug is so warped that an allen key won't tighten it anymore.

Therefore I bought this headset hoping that it would be a replacement.

My apologies i believe my current headset is an internal headset. although as you can probably now tell, my knowledge is poor when it comes to bike related mechanics.

This is the current headset on my wilier:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Better picture of it:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

This is the new headset:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us


So there is no way I can use my new one on that bike???

rake

i cant really tell from the pictures. if they dont feel rough, try just replacing the rounded bolt in the top cap and try that. if its just some play its probably not adjusted correctly.

Monty Dog

The answer to the question is no, but why not just replace the bearings? Sounds like you're strong-arming the headset topcap - you only need to nip it up to remove bearing play.
Look on www.parktool.com and read up on headsets before inflicting any more damage.

sheffsimon

DW01 wrote:

well my current headset needs replacing as there is play in the front end and the allen key hole for the compression plug is so warped that an allen key won't tighten it anymore.

Therefore I bought this headset hoping that it would be a replacement.

My apologies i believe my current headset is an internal headset. although as you can probably now tell, my knowledge is poor when it comes to bike related mechanics.

This is the current headset on my wilier:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Better picture of it:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

This is the new headset:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us


So there is no way I can use my new one on that bike???

Did you loosen the allen key bolts that hold your stem onto the fork steerer before trying to tighten it? You need to do that first, then tighten up the top cap until any rocking is gone but forks still turn freely. Then tighten stem bolts back up. Swap the top cap bolt for a new un if its rounded

Nuggs

Monty Dog wrote:

The answer to the question is no, but why not just replace the bearings? Sounds like you're strong-arming the headset topcap - you only need to nip it up to remove bearing play.
Look on www.parktool.com and read up on headsets before inflicting any more damage.

+1

I'd also recommend you take a look at the Hope Hed Doctor. I have these fitted to both my bikes and find them much better for keeping things in place. Do make sure they fit your steerer tube though - they can be quite a tight fit.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=911

MichaelW

There are a plethora of different internal, integrated headset standards. They all work the same way for adjustment but have different bearing dimensions.
Unless you know the exact type required, this is something best left to a good bike shp to decide. Maybe you can return your standard headset and get replacement bearings.

If you have mangled your compression bolt, you can replace that. You shouldnt need to replace the star-fangled nut or bung that it screws into.

As noted, the top compression bolt is only for adjustment. The stem bolts hold everything in place.

DW01

thats great thanks guys, i'm looking into a hope headset. Hopefully have one at my door in a couple of days!

muchos appreciated.

DW01

The hope hed doctor replacement compression cap has been ordered off wiggle should be here in no time!! then fingers crossed the play will go.

Although anyone have any tips or tricks to removed a compression cap when the allen key hole is warped?? vacuum???