Bicycle Mechanics - Which headset does this need?

I've discovered I need a different headset than the one supplied to me when I purchased a second hand Sintesi road frame. The trouble is it seems quite hard to find out exactly which one.

These are the specifications as far as I can tell:
Inside Diameter:42mm
Outside Diameter:45mm

I received an email from Sintesi this morning stating I need:
36° x 36° (if you need a reference you can use "Fsa Orbit I" )

The only problem is that as far as I can tell this headset (like most other integrated ones) requires the frame's headtube to have a beveled edge for the bearings to sit against. My frame has a squared off edge as shown in the image below.
http://docs.tancredi.co.uk/images/headset.jpg
Can anyone shed some light on this?

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

Thanks, but I've already checked that site and its left me even more confused. Sintesi have confirmed I need a 36x36 degrees headset as that is what they always use in their frames.

According to Parktool and my measurements I need a Microtech integrated headset because there is no bevel inside the headtube, otherwise possibly a 45x45 headset, Campagnolo style.

I think I need something like this to give me the required bevel:
http://www.parktool.com/images_inc/repair_help/headset305.jpg

But which headsets come with these?

The less common 36-degree angular contact standard uses a bearing for the 1-1/8 inch steering columns with a 41.5mm outside diameter. The bearings may be marked "36-36".

41.55 to 41.6mm 41.5mm Slip fit Integrated-angular contact
36 x36 degree contact
TH Industries® ED-36 type

Thanks, that would seem to be the correct one, but I'm still in the dark as to how that 36 degree angle on the bearing cartridge will sit properly on the 0 degree of the headtube lip. Maybe I'm missing something really obvious, but if so please point it out.

Thanks, that would seem to be the correct one, but I'm still in the dark as to how that 36 degree angle on the bearing cartridge will sit properly on the 0 degree of the headtube lip. Maybe I'm missing something really obvious, but if so please point it out.

Uses these!


http://www.parktool.com/images_inc/repair_help/headset305.jpg

in the U.K.

http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/147-8117

im sure you can get that piece at a lbs

I am still having great difficulties with my Sintesi frame and the headset. As recommended I have purchased the FSA Orbit I headset and have fitted it but its still too small for the headtube of the frame.

The cap (below the stem) isn't pressing down on the bearings and the fork is being pulled up against the frame. I'm really confused and frustrated as I believe I have everything to spec now. To me it seems as if there is something missing, like small cups to raise the height of the bearings and produce the 36 degree angle required for the bearings to correctly sit on the frame. Currently the bearings simply sit against the 0 degrees of the frame lip and are too deep inside the headtube to be of any use.

Does anyone have any ideas? I hope these images illustrate my point:

http://docs.tancredi.co.uk/images/headset.jpg

http://docs.tancredi.co.uk/images/headset-with-bearings.jpg

http://docs.tancredi.co.uk/images/headset-with-bearings-angle.jpg

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/downloads/headsetbook.pdf


As recommended I have purchased the FSA Orbit I headset and have fitted it but its still too small for the headtube of the frame.
FSA indicates that the 36/36 bearing seals are red. Yours look blue/grey, indicating they are 36/45.

To me it seems as if there is something missing, like small cups to raise the height of the bearings and produce the 36 degree angle required for the bearings to correctly sit on the frame
You need the steel insert for angular contact bearings

Does anyone have any ideas?
I contacted Peter Gilbert @ CaneCreek he has those rings in 45 degree angle.
Check your bearings to see if they indicate 36/45, if so the CaneCreek rings should work.
Peter@canecreek.com


http://docs.tancredi.co.uk/images/headset-with-bearings.jpg

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/downloads/headsetbook.pdf

I've been checking this pdf as I go but am still none the wiser.


FSA indicates that the 36/36 bearing seals are red. Yours look blue/grey, indicating they are 36/45.

You are correct. I was told to get 36/36 by Sintesi and they told me the FSA Orbit I was the correct headset. When it arrived it had 36/45 bearings.


You need the steel insert for angular contact bearings

I contacted Peter Gilbert @ CaneCreek he has those rings in 45 degree angle.
Check your bearings to see if they indicate 36/45, if so the CaneCreek rings should work.
Peter@canecreek.com

Thank you so much, I knew there was something missing from the frame/headset combination. I will try to get my hands on the inserts tomorrow if any local bike shops have them.