Integrated headsets - are there different sizes?
I've just started to rebuild a tired looking old Bianchi ML3 and it has an integrated headset. I've fitted a couple of 'normal' headsets before but I've never dealt with an integrated jobby up until now. Its a 1 1/8 sized one by the way.
My question is; do I need to replace the existing headset with a specific sort of integrated one? Are there different sizes? Also, will my choice of replacement fork be influenced by the fact that the bike will have an integrated headset?
Probably a daft question to those in the know but I'm used to building up MTBs with steel frames and good old FSA headsets. This whole integrated thing is confusing...
My question is; do I need to replace the existing headset with a specific sort of integrated one? Are there different sizes? Also, will my choice of replacement fork be influenced by the fact that the bike will have an integrated headset?
Probably a daft question to those in the know but I'm used to building up MTBs with steel frames and good old FSA headsets. This whole integrated thing is confusing...
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I ain't fat, merely optimised for gravity.
I ain't fat, merely optimised for gravity.
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Comments
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I'm frightened by modern headsets too. I'm hanging on to old-ish fashioned threadless "normal" headsets for as long as possible. Since they prevailed there seems to have been a small explosion of nearly-but-not-quite identical types.
Perhaps this Park Tool article can be our guiding light, however.0 -
Big Dave
you just change the bearings on an integrated headset as there is nothing else to change"Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
There are different types of bearing. The angles are different. I'd take out the cartridge bearings and take them to a good shop for advice. Also FSA do a measuring gauge which maybe a shop has, also I think they have a headset book which has drawings of all their headsets and bearings. Hope that helps a bit. It could be worse I have a 1 inch integrated headset which is totally non standard!0
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Ahh, I see. It is all a bit clearer now. I can see a trip to my LBS with a handful of bearings coming up.
Thanks for the feedback guys._______________________________
I ain't fat, merely optimised for gravity.0 -
Think there are 2 or 3 common 'standards' (!) although I'm sure that there are a good few other varieties too.
Bit of Googling :
http://www.geocities.co.jp/Hollywood-Ko ... anchi.html
fitted with VP-A41AC semi-integrated
then
http://www.pinnacle-bikes.co.uk/Compare ... 5&id3=1555
Pinnacle Bikes have this headset fitted as standard.0