Installing an integrated headset

Easy to do? Am I right in thinking I don't need a press? Will I make a dogs ear of it or should I go to a bike shop?

Pretty similar to installing a normal headset. Most 'integrated' headsets are semi integrated and involve pressing cups into the headtube. The difference is that the bearings sit in the cup inside the headtube rather than in cups that are outside the headtube.

Using a press is best, but threaded bar & big washers can be used if you are careful (and depending how tight a fit it's going to be) as can a hammer and lump of wood

A true integrated headset has no cups to press into the frame headtube, as the headtube itself is shaped to house the bearings. So no press needed. Is your frame suited to a true integrated headset?

Im a noob and yesterday fitted a fairly tight one with the 2 bits of wood and hammer method. No problems other than a few goes at lining it up and getting started

Headset

The headset's this one – I bought a cheapy frame from the Chain Reaction sale and they recommended this headset. Haven't bought it yet as I'm not sure about fitting it – whether to have a go or go to a bike shop and buy one & ask them to fit.

Hmm – not sure the link works. It's on their website as a 'Cane Creek Ball Bearing Integrated Headset'

Well i guess they recommended the correct headset for the frame. Should be a simple case of popping the bearing cases into the frame headtube. No press needed.

fixed your link

That's a semi integrated one – press, threaded rod, wood & hammer or LBS

-wrong thread

Mog – I think rootes1's post belongs on another post – this one http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/headset-headbanging-problem so don't take your frame to be reamed!!!!

To my eyes 8) that headset has no upper and lower head tube race cups to fit into the head tube, that makes it an integrated type.

Cheesy feet yep think you are right – shouldn't use a phone for posting…

rootes1 – Member

For integrated headset, those pics look like integrated i.e. Cartridge bearing directing into headtube, like campag and crane creek you may need to have the headtube reamed and faced. Park make tools to do this for both makes, perhaps your lbs does not have them? Perhaps ribble don't prepare thier frames? Or just to suit the alpina they sell. I would contact ribble.

From the other thread. 😆

I'm sure they're integrated as semis have a small cup in which the bearing sit. Also I agree that as the frame is very cheap the finishing may not be upto scratch and therefore need reaming. LBS should have the kit as he used to be the spannerman for the national team!! And should know what he's talking about!! I can't see the frames being designe just to suit Alpina though, surely outside diameter is a standard??

Sorry for the interruption OP, but Rootes1 appears to be lost! 😆

Thanks Cheesy & don – thought that was something else being thrown in then. I'm easily confused!
So, if it is an integrated(which CRC reckon it is) will that make it easier to fit than a semi-integrated?

if it is an integrated will that make it easier to fit than a semi-integrated?

Yes. Easier to fit; no race cups to fit into the head tube. Btw what was the frame you bought?

Hopefully this will solve any problems.

First – Normal 1 1/8" headset – The most common type would fit for example a Cotic soul

Second – This headset fits 1.5" headtubes but 1 1/8" forks – Perhaps more common on downhill bikes such as an Intense M6

Third – Integrated/Campag This does away with cups bearings sit in the frame. I came across this on a BMX frame, but I believe they are popular in road bikes.

Forth – Semi integrated/Internal I think even the word zerostack is sometimes used – This is an arse of a design something like 44mm diameter headtube but fits 1 1/8" forks as used on the Pace RC305

Mog you have the third one just push the bearings in the frame with a bit of grease, fit the crown race to the top of your forks then slot it together.

Vitus

Been building up bits on an old Fausto Coppi frame for the last couple of years so thought I'd give this a go.

Mog I take it that vitus is the frame you have bought despite it saying internal i think it is integrated as recommended by the bike shop.

I can see how your confused as there is no standard name!!! 👿

Yep that Vitus Zenium Frame takes an integrated headset exactly like the one CRC recommended you. Easy to install. No press, wood, hammer or banging necessary 🙂

Tails & Blue – thanks for the help. Much appreciated. Didn't suspect I'd be walking intot a headset minefield!!
Thanks again.