Bicycle Mechanics - Integrated Headset Installation

Is it any different to install an integrated headset than it is to install any old threadless headset?

Do you still need a headset press and all that?

You use the same headset press to install the cups and crown race as you use for a threaded headset. You need a different tool (or a different improvision) to set the star-nut in the steerer tube or buy an expander-type compression plug and don't use the star-nut at all.

Some of the newer cartridge bearing headsets (FSA for one) use a split crown race that you can install with no tools.

So it looks like this is something I shouldn't do myself. A headset press is $100.

Is there some other way? Would this way be more of a PITA than paying the LBS to do it?

I don't know what integrated headset you are talking about but there are no tools required (no special tools at least) for the integrated I have installed. what kind of headset/frame is it?

Whoops, I missed the "integrated" part of the OP.

A true Integrated Headset need no tools to install the cups since there aren't any. All you need to install is the crown race. The bearings fit right into the cups already machined into the headtube.

A "Zero Stack" headset has upper and lower cups that have to be pressed into flared seats in the headtube. I assume a standard headset press works for this but I'm not certain.

My feeling is that a headset press is an extravagant purchase for anyone who isn't a professional bike mechanic. I do all of the repairs, builds and maintainance on my bikes and for several friends and family members but the one job I farm-out to my LBS is headset cup and race installation. After all, how often do you do this job?

So it looks like this is something I shouldn't do myself. A headset press is $100.

Is there some other way? Would this way be more of a PITA than paying the LBS to do it?

You can use a long carriage bolt, with a nut on the other end, with washers on each end that are very close to the diameter of the cup in size. Or do the same, but insstead of washers, two pieces of wood. It's the same mechanical principal as the press. Just be sure, whether you use the press or not, that the cups go in straight. However, if it is truly integrated, you won't need tools. Go to Park tools (http://www.parktool.com) website for more information.

Thanks for the help, guys.

The headset is a Cane Creek IS-something. I'm not sure the exact number. I don't have it in my possesion yet- just the frame.

Where on the Park Tools site does it talk about integrated headset installation? I can only find info about threadless stuff.

Are there any other sites? I can't find it on Sheldon Brown's site either?

Its very similar to a regular threadless. Just the bearings press directly into the frame.

Thanks for the help, guys.

The headset is a Cane Creek IS-something. I'm not sure the exact number. I don't have it in my possesion yet- just the frame.

Where on the Park Tools site does it talk about integrated headset installation? I can only find info about threadless stuff.

Here is the Park tool's info on threadless headset types;

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68

There is some misleading information here and there in this thread. If you go to the Cane Creek website you can see the instructions (because I assume you have lost yours or have not purchased yet). The only thing that you need to have done is press on the fork crown race. ALL of the other parts on a Cane Creek IS just drop into place. At least with the Cane Creek IS, the bearing are NOT pressed into the frame. After I had LBS press on the race (I did not want to do it myself as it is on a carbon steerer), I assembled it per instructions and have removed and serviced the headset several times. Heck, if you have an alloy or steel steerer you might even be able to press the race on yourself (but I wouldn't). Also make sure that your integrated head tube is machined to Cane Creek specs (not all IS head sets work with all integrated head tubes). Hope this helps.

There is some misleading information here and there in this thread. If you go to the Cane Creek website you can see the instructions (because I assume you have lost yours or have not purchased yet). The only thing that you need to have done is press on the fork crown race. ALL of the other parts on a Cane Creek IS just drop into place. At least with the Cane Creek IS, the bearing are NOT pressed into the frame. After I had LBS press on the race (I did not want to do it myself as it is on a carbon steerer), I assembled it per instructions and have removed and serviced the headset several times. Heck, if you have an alloy or steel steerer you might even be able to press the race on yourself (but I wouldn't). Also make sure that your integrated head tube is machined to Cane Creek specs (not all IS head sets work with all integrated head tubes). Hope this helps.

Thank you - couldn't have said it better myself. But I'll say it again - No press needed on integrated HS.

Should I grease the part of the head tube where headset sits before installation?