Tapered integrated headset replacement

chanjy
chanjy Posts: 200
edited August 2013 in Workshop
OK would appreciate some help here as headsets are not soemthing I have ever tried to replace before.

However my Trek Domane has a white headset... which tbh is a disgrace. So for reasons of vanity, I would like to replace it with a Cane Creek one.

I have located the right 'top' and 'bottom' parts of the headset I want from the Cane Creek website (IS41 top, 1 1/8"; IS52 bottom, 1 1/2")

Would I need tools to remove the old one and replace it with a new one myself? Also... sorry if this is a stupid question, but a new headset would include the bearings it needed, right? :)

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    have a read of the info on Parktools.

    whatever is needed to remove the stem and maybe something for the crown race, but mainly just your fingers.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • chanjy
    chanjy Posts: 200
    hmmm just had a browse of the MTB forums and it looks like Trek E2 is nothing but trouble. Can't even be 100% sure what bearings it takes!

    Might be a job for a professional this...
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    chanjy wrote:
    OK would appreciate some help here as headsets are not soemthing I have ever tried to replace before.

    However my Trek Domane has a white headset... which tbh is a disgrace. So for reasons of vanity, I would like to replace it with a Cane Creek one.

    I have located the right 'top' and 'bottom' parts of the headset I want from the Cane Creek website (IS41 top, 1 1/8"; IS52 bottom, 1 1/2")

    Would I need tools to remove the old one and replace it with a new one myself? Also... sorry if this is a stupid question, but a new headset would include the bearings it needed, right? :)

    Whether you require 'special tools' depends on:
    1. Do you intend to replace just the top and bottom bearings, or do you intend to also replace the crown race at the base of the fork shaft? If only bearings, then no special tools required. As long as you've got the correct stuff, you will be able to just slot the sealed bearings in the frame.

    2. Is the fork shaft carbon or alloy? If carbon, then it will use a 'bung' which is much easier to fit and pre-load without tools. If an alloy shaft, then it will use a star-fangled nut which you are much better advised to get an LBS to fit for you.

    3. Be very, very sure that you have the correct type of bearings. Modern integrated headsets use sealed bearings which are much easier to fit. If the bearings are even slightly the wrong size or angle they can really f**k the head-tube of your frame.

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