LOts of people have read the Chris King stuff explaining why these are a bad idea and I can agree with the theory behind it. However, has anyone got a frame with an integrated headset that has died prematurely and taken the frame out with it? I've got my eye on a frame that ticks all the boxes except the head tube. I'll agree it's a flawed theory but what's the real world effect of this?

I was under the impression that its only the cups that are integrated hence the bearings are replaceable?

I'm talking about the ones where the bearings sit directly in the frame. No cups.

Im running a mojo sl with bearings sitting directly in the (carbon) frame cups. Was a bit worried but so far no damage to the frame though lots of hard riding.

I would say the headset needs to be good though, my first £35 ish cane creek only lasted about 6 months. No cup means the bearings are pretty exposed. now got a cane creek 110 so im covered if they go again 🙂

cheers. That's the sort of good news I want to hear as I'm looking at a much cheaper frame than that.

Works fine on BMX's, and lets face it the average freecore mincer off STW is going to dish out less abuse.

Highclimber, what you're describing is an 'internal' headset. It's all desperately confusing as there are now so many permutations between the three basic styles.

thisisnotaspoon – Member

Works fine on BMX's, and lets face it the average freecore mincer off STW is going to dish out less abuse.

Bmx's are very overbuilt though and tend not to get filled up with mud 🙂

>Highclimber, what you're describing is an 'internal' headset. It's all desperately confusing as there are now so many permutations between the three basic styles.

And you've been caught out 😉 – internal's also semi-integrated (ie cups)

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68
(and I'm pretty sure that's consistent with the CK interpretation of the term, too)

Works fine on BMX's, and lets face it the average freecore mincer off STW is going to dish out less abuse.

Yep.

Bmx's are very overbuilt though and tend not to get filled up with mud

Not any more, now that they're all going light weight – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UnwvxLKitA

though you're right about the mud – that's why I picked up a mtb 🙂

get an FSA one and you'll be fine

Still running original Campag style push fit bearings on my 08 s-works carbon HT. No damage to headtube so far although lower bearings are getting a bit sticky now – not particularly well sealed. No issues so far removing and pushing in bearings but always use liberal amounts of grease.

'I stand corrected' said the man in the orthopaedic shoes!

Internal = semi-integrated, i.e. they are the same thing. I think this is what you're saying?