Bicycle Mechanics - replace 07 Specialized tarmac headset

hi hi,

I like to change the headset bearings for my 07 Specialized Tarmac. Any tips or pictures on doing so ?

here's a link to Cane Creek's instructions (http://www.canecreek.com/manuals/Headset_Instructions/S_Series/IS_Instructions.pdf) for their integrated headsets. While I don't know which headset your Tarmac has, the basics are the same. If you need more help, search for Integrated Headset tutorial and you'll find others for free or as pay-for-download, some of which have videos or photos.

If you come to a specific impasse, re-post and I or someone else will walk you through. Good luck.

BTW- don't start the job at the last minute. Murphy's Law dictates that if you have any sort of deadline, some critical, not immediately available part will break.

Thanks. I saw an posting previously that Specialized "Mindset" headset is slightly different. It is a bearing with an extended section. But i can't find the posting anymore. :(

I guess the first question will be how to knock the existing headset ("mindset") out.

That changes things.

I looked up the Tarmac specs before posting, and they currently have integrated headsets. Apparently they had standard pressed in headsets back in 07. To confirm it's a pressed-in (or conventional, or standard) headset, see pictures (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headset_%28bicycle_part%29), see if you can see the alloy cups above and below the headtube, as opposed to being recessed (integrated) within.

Most of the set-up and adjustment of conventional headsets is the same as with integrated ones, but the cups have to be pressed into or out of the frame. there are special tools for this, or you can improvise some if you're mechanically creative. To find tutorials it's the same as I said before but this time skip the Integrated and simply search for "headset installation" or "headset installation and adjustment".

BTW- not to push you off, but tutorials are easy to find if you just experiment until you find the right key words.

BTW- don't start the job at the last minute. Murphy's Law dictates that if you have any sort of deadline, some critical, not immediately available part will break.
+1000 A favorite quote is; "Never start a plumbing project when the hardware stores are closed." That advice applies to any maintenance work.

An alternative is to have a second bike you can ride while waiting for the missing parts to finish the work on the first one.

Cane Creek
(http://www.canecreek.com/manuals/Headset_Instructions/S_Series/IS_Instructions.pdf)

I managed to replace the headset today. Apparently, it is really easy with the right tool.

I went to a local bike shop that have a Park Tool RT-1, and with that tool, and after a few knock, the headset is out.

Just a note, with the Tarmac Frame. Apparently, the frame has a sort of bearing holder integrated into the frame. if RT-1 is not fitted correctly on the headset bearing. You might end up damaging the frame by knock off the "bearing holder" instead. So, watch out.

My 07 Tarmac Pro had integrated "drop in" Campy (45 degree) style bearings. The bearings cups were molded into the frame and did not need to be removed.

Yeah, anyone coming across this thread, do NOT try to remove the cups from the frame on the Specialized Mindset-style headset.

Yeah, anyone coming across this thread, do NOT try to remove the cups from the frame on the Specialized Mindset-style headset.

Yes. This is precisely what i like to stress. When you try to knock out the headset bearing. Ensure the tool (RT-1) is sitting on the Mindset Bearing, not the Cups.
I use my fingers to "feel" the contact between the tool and the bearing, before knocking with a small hammer.