I think I've understood this properly, based on trawling previous posts on here and elsewhere, but to clarify before I part with any cash...
I've got a Giant Anthem with OD2. Am I correct in understanding that I can change my fork to a (120mm) standard (1 1/2 to 1 1/8) tapered steerer tube if I
1) Buy the correct ZS tapered headset (such as hope integral ZS44-56 headset); and
2) A replacement stem for the 1 1/8 steerer tube
My main point of concern is ensuring a standard tapered headset does actually fit within the frame. As I understand it, the inner diameter of the frame is standard, its just Giant used different spacers on the OD2 to accommodate a larger steerer tube on the forks.
Share your wisdom.
Yep thats how I understand it works.
The external diameter of the headset cups (the bit that goes into the frame) is standard but they use different bearing sizes to accommodate the larger steerer of the OD2 fork
@ OO I spent an age looking into this for my Trance 👿
The Giant shops I spoke with with not terribly helpful.
My frame would have originally been OD2 but I wanted to run "std" tapered forks ..... I bought one of these:
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant-mtb-overdrive-headset-1-1-8in-1-1-2in-aqua-id71311.html
I double checked cup sizes before having it installed. No issue and even goes with the frame ... Result!
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Edit: Its a different top cup and bearing used on the OD2 set ups. Some report just being able to change the top cup or even the bearing but that seemed like a work around rather than a fix 😆
Isn't it just a top bearing change?
bearing, compression ring, top cap
Thanks for the posts... I've never mixed and matched headsets before, but would you expect replacing the top bearing etc with a different brand to be problematic or not? Given a marginal difference in cost, I might be tempted to swap the whole thing out.
Either way, thanks for clarifying the above!
Thanks for the posts... I've never mixed and matched headsets before, but would you expect replacing the top bearing etc with a different brand to be problematic or not? Given a marginal difference in cost, I might be tempted to swap the whole thing out.
In theory you should be able to just swap the bits over as you swap fork (bearing outer size would be the same), so basically it saves you needing to remove and refit the bearing cup. As its similar cost might be worth paying the extra to have the correct cup on hand, so you can try just swapping some bits or replace the whole thing if it doesnt work.
There is no problem running different top and bottom cups, other than aesthetic and possibly gnawing at your inner ocd if you are so inclined 😆
Brilliant. Thanks for your collective wisdom