Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Anyone changed a headset on their Langster?

Just checking, because I emailed Specialized a while ago and asked what was compatible with the bike and.... they didn't know. I'd like sealed bearing in there but don't know the bearing angles or diameter. Anyone been successful on this?

Can this integrated headset phase end already?! And I'm not just saying that because Chris King says they suck. They're irritating to change out. All I can do is overhaul the stupid things... and the original headset is a piece of crap. Can integrated headsets just be one size? Then I'd be all for 'em!

If you've done this, please give me the details on what you used. Thank ya!

I doubt it will end anytime soon. I'm not a fan for certain.







Just to stir the pot and go OT a bit...why don't you like REI??? I work @ REI and we're just as much an LBS as anyone else in my area. IMO, we're better than 3/4 of the LBS's here in Detroit. All our techs are certified and do GREAT work. We actually have the proper tools to do the job. We charge honest prices and have honest sales people that aren't just out to sell you a bicycle. We sell quality bicycles and not junk.

Anyhoo...back to hating on integrated headsets and the engineer who invented them.

My rule is that if a store sells guns or diapers, don't buy a bike there. Sports Authority and Big 5 sell guns. Toys R Us and Target sell diapers. Walmart sells both.

REI sells neither. Therefore, they count as an LBS and are qualified to sell and maintain bikes.

REI sells neither. Therefore, they count as an LBS and are qualified to sell and maintain bikes.

In my experience and observation, most REI employees are paid more and offered better benefits than LBS employees.

if you adamantly support your LBS why don't you go help them out by letting them figure out your little problem.

Just checking, because I emailed Specialized a while ago and asked what was compatible with the bike and.... they didn't know.

Rofl, they didn't know. That's awesome.

Integrated headsets were passed on to consumers by the KGB... of course Spec wouldn't know anything about them.

Integrated headsets have recently became popular for use in BMX, so you might want to check a BMX specific shop for your options. For example here is whats Dan's Comp has http://www.danscomp.com/products.php?cat=PARTS&show=Headsets

Integrated headsets have recently became popular for use in BMX

Oh god. And they're the ones most likely to completely trash a headset before the frame's life is up...

In my experience and observation, most REI employees are paid more and offered better benefits than LBS employees.
Paid more...no. Better benefits...yes. I only work like 15-20 hrs/week if I'm lucky (I don't mind giving my friends who work full time there more hours since this is just gravy money to me) and I'm eligible for benefits. They treat us well and are in the mindset of having happy employees makes for better employees. :D Not like my other job. :(

Back to the bashing of IH...they suck they suck they suck. Poor BMX kids when they wear out their headset and realise they have to get a new frame as well.

^^^^^

Actually, most of us like the ease of installation that goes with the headset. Our frames only last about a year anyway (BMX frames are getting down into the 4 lbs. range, which makes things really, really fragile), so we really don't mind very much. Thanks for your concern though. :rolleyes:

Wonder if anyone has an answer to the OP's question since I too am in the search of a new HS for my Langster.

I just got a Cane Creek IS headset and it does not fit. Then went to the Specialized website and it appears they use headset sleeves which are replaceable. The ones that come with the Langster are loose ball cups and we need to buy new ones to use the cartidge bearings that are commonly avaliable.

Hope this helps. This schematic helped my understanding:
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/manuals/07_Tarmac_Frame_Instructions.pdf

I believe we need part #6 to use a new headset.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

I just got a Cane Creek IS headset and it does not fit. Then went to the Specialized website and it appears they use headset sleeves which are replaceable. The ones that come with the Langster are loose ball cups and we need to buy new ones to use the cartidge bearings that are commonly avaliable.

Hope this helps. This schematic helped my understanding:
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/manuals/07_Tarmac_Frame_Instructions.pdf

I believe we need part #6 to use a new headset.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

Dose the headset you bought look simular to this?

http://www.danscomp.com/images/products/mid_301018.gif

Or this one?

http://www.danscomp.com/images/products/mid_301017.gif

Edit: Looking at the PDF file you linked part #6 is listed as the bearing itself and in the case of it being a loose ball bearing headset the part you are talking about would be the bearing cup. If it does in fact require a sleeve as part of the install the frame would be made for an internal headset and not an integrated one. So hopefully that should not be the frame looks to be made for an integrated headset.