Bicycle Mechanics - Question about Giant ATX 870 Frame

Hey there,

I have the chance to purchase a 2001 Giant ATX 870 Frame that's in immaculate condition. The guy says he put an integrated headset on it from his Giant Rainier. My question is: can I take that headset off and put a regular one on?

Also, a sizing question. I know it depends on the geometry of the bike, but generally speaking I want to know if this bike is too small for me. I'm about 5"8, 150 lbs and the bike is a 14". I generally ride a 17" frame (although I've never ridden anything smaller) and was wondering if 14" would be too small. I do plan to make this an XC race bike and I hear that generally they are supposed to fit a bit small so you can maneouver them.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

*EDIT*
Actually it's a Giant 890 frame, not 870, not that it makes a big difference

Hey there,

I have the chance to purchase a 2001 Giant ATX 870 Frame that's in immaculate condition. The guy says he put an integrated headset on it from his Giant Rainier. My question is: can I take that headset off and put a regular one on?

Integrated and 'regular' (threaded or threadless) HS are not interchangable.

Hmm, that is weird because on the website http://www.giant-bicycle.com/cn/030.000.000/030.050.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2001&bikesection=8768&range=16&model=9513 it says the headset that comes with it is a Cane Creek ZS2 threadless 1 1/8".

Hmm, that is weird because on the website http://www.giant-bicycle.com/cn/030.000.000/030.050.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2001&bikesection=8768&range=16&model=9513 it says the headset that comes with it is a Cane Creek ZS2 threadless 1 1/8".
Yeah, it's a threadless integrated(internal). Look at the picture.You cannot replace it with a traditional threadless HS.

Thanks sydney, I appreciate it. I hear people saying that integrated headsets aren't as good and that they can cause damage to the steerer tube. I only weigh 150 lbs, would this be a problem?

Thanks sydney, I appreciate it. I hear people saying that integrated headsets aren't as good and that they can cause damage to the steerer tube. It's potential damage to the frame HT, that is the issue.It's more BS, idle speculation and theory than reality. That HS is actually an internal type with cups that ride inside the HT. Less chance of damage than with the true integrated type with the bearings running in the headtube.

Ah, ya I meant headtube, not steerer tube hehe! Thanks again sydney, you've been a great help.