PatrickGSR94

I noticed the other day that my 2011 Felt with over 10K miles has a fairly pronounced detent/index at center on the headset while I had the bike in the work stand. I checked the specs on the 2011 Felt website, and it says:

Fork: Felt UHC Performance Carbon Fiber Design w/ 3KP Weave, Carbon Blades, Aluminum Crown & 1.125 Steerer, and Dropouts

Headset: FSA 1.125 Integrated w/ 25mm Aluminum Cone & 2 X 10mm Aluminum Headset Spacer, 1 x 5mm Aluminum Headset Spacer, Felt Aluminum Top Cap

It doesn't list a specific model of FSA 1-1/8" integrated headset, only the 25mm cone size. On the original FSA aluminum top cap, it says "36° ACB" on it. The selection of headsets is crazy so I'm not sure where to start.

Do I also need to get the frame's head tube machined/faced in addition to just replacing the bearings?

HillRider

FSA uses 36º/36º bearing seats for their integrated headset cartridges and you need 1-1/8" cartridges to match your steerer diameter. No, you don't need to have the frame's headtube or bearing seats machined. Just get replacement bearing cartridges and use all of the other components.

PatrickGSR94

So something like this? FSA Orbit IS-2 CC Headset | Chain Reaction Cycles

Or this? FSA Orbit IS Integrated | Chain Reaction Cycles

I'm not sure what the difference is between those. Also, those are the complete headsets, right? Can I buy only the bearings by themselves?

Maybe these? https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/u.../rp-prod134151

I suppose I could pull it apart and see what's in there before ordering.

HillRider

The top two links are for 36º/45º cartridges and I don't think they match your old bearings. The bottom bearing-only set should work. Read EXACTLY what it says on your bearing cartridges (not the outer cap) and match them.

PatrickGSR94

Yeah I'll have to pull it apart and check it out. I was hoping to buy first and take apart only once, but since this is my commuter I may have to disassemble and put it back together, order, and then do it again.

And I'm correct in reading that this type of headset does not need special tools to replace the bearings, right?

fietsbob

IDK Yours But My Cane Creek Integrated headset falls out , with the fork, when I loosened from the stem.

so I added one of QBP's Problem Solvers 'Locking Spacers' to stop that happening..

Problem Solvers

PatrickGSR94

oh interesting. Like a seat post clamp almost. I usually disassemble/assemble stems and headsets with the bike on the floor on both wheels, at least initially, until/unless I know the fork won't fall out.

fietsbob

It's smaller and has No shoulder around the top edge, which is common on seat post band clamps.

Camilo

You can probably figure it out like others have suggested, or call FSA or Cane Creek - they will readily be able to tell you which of their products to buy based on the bike you have - you shouldn't have to disassemble before hand. Both carry good headsets and might even sell you the bearings only.