Headset type

CaoimH_in

Hey, bought a Chinese frame and I'm just wondering what headset will fit it? I'm not sure.

Here is all the info I know:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/280934061612?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_4077wt_1026

This is the headset I have been eyeing:
http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;menu=1000,4,40;product=647

Will it fit? Help!

Redmond101

Off topic, what was the frame like?

CaoimH_in

Haven't got a chance to have a spin. With some handy decal work I've made it look extremely well.

Back on topic.

clog

Looks like an integrated headset to me any of the chinese frames off ebay i've seen take them. The ritchey headset you linked to would not work as your frame does not accept cups.
Good news though is that integrated headsets are generally cheaper and easier to fit.

CaoimH_in

What do you mean by integrated?

Which of the following:
Ahead semi integrated - Press Fit
Ahead full integrated - Drop In
Tapered semi integrated - Press Fit
Tapered full integrated - Drop-In

Paul Kiernan

CaoimH_in wrote: »

What do you mean by integrated?

Which of the following:
Ahead semi integrated - Press Fit
Ahead full integrated - Drop In
Tapered semi integrated - Press Fit
Tapered full integrated - Drop-In

Ahead full integrated - Drop In

This or this should fit (if it doesn't you won't have spent too much:)).

CaoimH_in

Leg end.

CaoimH_in

Do you own one of these frames?

ashleey

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=38690

I put this one on a Ribble evo pro carbon and it is excellent. If your fork has a carbon steerer then you will need this too.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2218

A compression plug works with an alloy steerer too and is way easier to work with than a star nut.

Its worth you looking up fsa instructions for fitting headsets. It's easy but you must tighten the right things in the right sequence!

CaoimH_in

I was talking to the seller and they've told me to buy this from them, as it is supposed to fit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Neco-1-1-8-Headset-for-Mountain-Road-bikes-/280933865092?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4168f69684

But, from what I can see it is the same as the Ritchey one outlined above. Am I correct? Are they the same thing? Should I proceed with my purchase of the Ritchey?

Cheers all.

Paul Kiernan

Check your headtube measurements (where the bearings drop in at the top and bottom). They should be 46mm diameter outside and 42mm inside. You can use any "Campy" (i.e. 45/45 degree) integrated headset with a 41.8mm bearing diameter and 46mm outside cap size (which is most of them!).

You will also need the compressor bung referenced by ashleey above. Note - some headsets come with this as part of the package.

Edit - the prices from ChainReaction look very good and with free postage you're not going to do any better!

ashleey

CaoimH_in wrote: »

I was talking to the seller and they've told me to buy this from them, as it is supposed to fit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Neco-1-1-8-Headset-for-Mountain-Road-bikes-/280933865092?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4168f69684

But, from what I can see it is the same as the Ritchey one outlined above. Am I correct? Are they the same thing? Should I proceed with my purchase of the Ritchey?

Cheers all.

The linked item would probably work but would you prefer a named brand or not? Most of these things are made in the same places anyway but obviously quality is variable.

Get the seller of the frame to give you the exact head tube measurements.

clog

Not sure how to link but chain reaction have token campagnolo integrated headset for 18 euro, also FSA compressor adjuster on clearance at the moment for e5.

Paul Kiernan

clog wrote: »

Not sure how to link but chain reaction have token campagnolo integrated headset for 18 euro, also FSA compressor adjuster on clearance at the moment for e5.

I'll put the link in for you:)

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=81077134&postcount=9

CaoimH_in

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Check your headtube measurements (where the bearings drop in at the top and bottom). They should be 46mm diameter outside and 42mm inside. You can use any "Campy" (i.e. 45/45 degree) integrated headset with a 41.8mm bearing diameter and 46mm outside cap size (which is most of them!).

You will also need the compressor bung referenced by ashleey above. Note - some headsets come with this as part of the package.

Right. I've bought this: https://www.bike24.net/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;menu=1000,4,40;product=6303

My headtube measurements are 46mm (outside diameter), 42mm (inside diameter). So that seems to mean I've made the correct choice of headset: a campy drop in.

I'm not sure why I need the compressor stuff referenced. Surely it comes with the item I've bought? Or is it because I have a carbon steerer than I need this particular compressor? If I bought that too will it be a straight swap?

Cheers everyone. Wonderfully helpful.

ashleey

For 20 odd euro it is unlikely that your headset comes with a compressor, it will probably be a star nut.

You bang a star nut into your steerer and then the top cap bolt between it and the top cap provides 'compression' to squeeze down before you tighten the stem to hold all the fork, bearings etc in place.

Banging a star into a carbon steerer is bad news! The compressor bung squeezes along the inside of the steerer instead to spread the load and not cause weak scars in the carbon.

CaoimH_in

Right, I've bought the compressor too. I install everything apart from the star nut part and use the compressor instead?

ashleey

Yes.

Crown race on fork steerer
Lower headset bearing on top of that
Slide steerer into head tube from below
Top bearing in head tube
Compression ring into top bearing
Headset cap over everything. Make sure it has a rubber o ring to water seal
Maybe a micro spacer may be needed to ensure cap presses down on compression ring.
Add headset spacers to correct stem height.
Add stem.
Insert compression bung. Tighten inside bolt to ensure grip.
Replace top cap and tighten but not too much to preload.
Tighten stem bolts.
Don't forget to grease bearings as they go into frame to aid water resistance.
Done.

ashleey

I forgot after you have done this you might realise that you have to shorten the steerer. So, decide how many cms to remove. Disassemble. Cut steerer to length. Reassemble and make sure your cut is steerer is flush with stem cap.

CaoimH_in

Perfect. That's what I expected to do. . I'll set up a thread to show the finished build.

Cheers Ashleey and Paul Kiernan!

ashleey

Great. Best of luck. It's well worth doing for experience. If you get stuck the park tools website is excellent for tutorials, particularly in dérailleur adjustment!
Photos when finished!