Headsets for beginners

MTB noob

I need to replace my headset for my Voodoo Bantu as I've found rust pouring out of it and some serious wobble when I changed my forks.

The problem is that it's the only component on a bike I have virtually no knowledge about the component.

I believe the one I have on my bike is an internal cartridge unit but this is only an educated guess.

Do you remove them by tapping a bar with a hammer on each side as you would do with a 1" threaded headset and installing the new one by pressing them on? Another question is what would be a suitable headset to buy for my bike?

Thanks

Chunkers1980

Can't you just service it?

MTB noob

I don't know how.

Anyway it would be nice for the bike to have a new set as it looks worn as well as it being completely shot.

cooldad

So work out what it is, buy one and read Parktools on fitting.
Headset standards in Tech FAQ's.

nicklouse

read parktools.

all you need to know is there.

MTB noob

Is there any difference between regular headsets and 'Campagnolo' headsets?

islandman

Years ago a headset was a headset, campagnolo or not it would probably fit. Now there are plenty of variations of the once simple part, find out the exact spec of yours and buy the same. Ditto park tools advice, that tube place is also useful.

The Rookie

Yes, totally different fitting, a Bantu isn't campag which is fairly rare on anything but very weight concsious MTB's.

From memory it's a standard external bearing, pics will tell us easily enough if it is.

MTB noob

The headset is completely unbranded and so is the product description on Halfords or Voodoo's own website. All the information says is that its a "Semi-integrated 1 1/8" Aheadset". I'm going to upload a picture in a few minutes to help.

cooldad

Have you actually looked at the headset standards doc? It will show you the differences between different types. To make an educated guess you need to educate yourself.

MTB noob

So to make sure, my headset will fit the majority of the ones available online(with exception to otherwise specified)?

And here's the pictures as promised

cooldad

Don't give up your day job for photography. Just take the bearings out and get new ones.

msp1

Recently replaced my headset, after days of surfing trying to find the right one I found Cane Creeks website great for identifying headset type, just put in make and model of bike and it will give you the SHIS standard.

http://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder

I also emailed Chainreaction technical. They were great, told me what headset type I needed and gave me several hyperlinks to suitable ones, from £15 to £115. Spent more money on the tools to remove the old headset than the headset itself :roll:

The Rookie

Semi-integrated is semi-integrated style, assuming it is semi-integrated that is what you need.

A photo side on helps, one end on just shows a 1 1/8" hole in a bearing.

scatty76

Just a thought cuz I'm no expert, but the picture looks like it has Angular Contact Bearings, certainly from the look of the cups...But I would check that with one of the forum Techies, I don't want to give any bad advice as I know learning this Headset tech stuff seems more complicated than it needs to be!

cooldad

No they aren't - just read the Tech docs, or Parktools, or Cane Creek website. As suggested in various posts above.

MTB noob

From what the headset finder said via msp1's link, I have a zero-stack headset (44mm upper, 44mm lower semi-integrated).

The issue is that I can't find any ones with a decent review or not in pink or purple. Even the Cane Creeks and Token ones are out of stock or unavailable for anything under £30

The Rookie

Halfords, FSA No11 circa £18 and black

Asif Tufal

I've got these zero-stack/semi-integrated headsets on two bikes: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=114

mmacavity

http://www.hopetech.com/webtop/modules/ ... 011Web.pdf

http://www.sutherlandsbicycle.com/Chapter12.pdf