preping for first build/Headset help
 

I'm researching building up a frame (Specialized Allez Comp Cr-Mo) I picked up a couple weeks ago (with the Specialized carbon fork. This will be my first build BTW and what I have determined from searching BF is that I should let my LBS install the headset and probably the BB. My LBS said it would cost $15 to install the fork/headset, as well as $15 to install the BB/crank. I'm thinking "with labor prices that cheap I may end up having them build the whole thing"...But the point of me building as much I can is to learn (even if it costs a little more in the long run).

I'm going to start by having my LBS install the headset and fork, but which headset? LBS said that if I want to go top end go Chris King but I was doing some research last night and found out that this frame takes an integrated threadless headset and Chris King apparently doesn't make integrated headsets. So what would be the next best headset to buy? What are the different variables with headsets? weight? I assume that with headsets as in most other things, higher price doesn't necisarily mean better.

FSA makes a nice headset, and the prices are not bad. I was going to give you a direct link, but I guess the server is having issues again. So here it is in typed form.

http://www.fullspeedahead.com

I'm pretty sure the Allez Chromo doesn't use an integrated headset, but I certainly could be wrong.

Actually just checked the Specialized archive for 2004 and it sure doesn't look integrated to me, but its hard to tell from the pics. Generally though, if its integrated they would say in the specs, but it is just listed as 1 1/8th 3x sealed, etc, which is how the non-integrated headset on my Stumpjumper was listed.

Heya, it's not rocket science!

FWIW I think you should try and do it yourself. Use the web and some books if you can get them for resources, even better if you have a bike mechanic buddy you could bribe with a beer, but even if not, you should be able to do it yourself.

You *always* have your LBS if you get stuck, or lost, or decide to bail. Go ahead and see how far you can get on your own! You might be surprised!

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...keTab=techspec
Yeah, the 2004 only states "1 1/8" , triple sealed stainless cartridge bearings"
the 2005 states "1 1/8" integrated threadless"
My frame is the 2005 model.

So which is the best headset for me?

*EDIT*
I'm not sure why the 05 states it's integrated and the 04 states it's not because the as far as I though, the frames didn't actually change from 03 to 04 to 05...the color scheme didn't even change.

So what do I need to do to make sure I buy the right headset?

You could:
A. Spend a whole lot of money on some tools you may only use once and install the headset yourself.
B. Spend a bunch of time building some improvised tools you may only use once and install the headset yourself.
C. Pay $15 to have the LBS do it so you can get on with the rest of your build.

As for which headsets will be compatible with your frame and how good they are....this is a conversation you might consider striking up with your LBS. It's never a bad thing to get on good terms with your bike shop guys.

I'm a fan of Can Creek headsets, by the way. They make integrated, and even have a high end headset available in several colors, ala Chris King.

actually, chris king does make an integrated headset, called the perdido

http://www.chrisking.com/headsets/hds_perdido.html

chris king headsets are the best, so i would go with that as long as you have the coin

Awesome! Where can I get that headset online?

Not much of anywhere, buying online is pretty contrary to everything Chris King believes in... I checked '04 Specs because as far as I know, they didn't change specs from 04-05, but I suppose its possible they changed the headset. If you have the frame in hand, I would do a reality check to make sure the web info is right and that in fact it does have an integrated headset. Should be really easy to tell--if it has races for the bearings to sit on already in the head tube, its integrated, if it doesn't, then its not. I could see them selling some leftover 04 frames as 05's too, and some 05's therefore having a non-integrated headset.

King does make an integrated hdset...See link

http://www.chrisking.com/headsets/hds_perdido.html

Damn..walk away for a minute and my thunder's stolen... :)

Here it is. Is this integrated or not?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture009.jpg

Good to add pics but the important view is above or below headtube to see inside. Yr lbs should have been able to tell you if you showed it to 'em. Tend to think it is, tho. Be very careful when ordering replacement as an "internal" headset can be mistaken to mean integrated. Different designs, different standards, not interchangeble. Yer frame was designed for one type only. Internal headsets still have pressed in cups but do not protrude above or below headtube. Park has good tutorial on these as does Chris King.

I just got back from my LBS and the guy said that it was NOT an integrated headset. It is a non-integrated, threadless headset.

So now I can get on with deciding which one to buy.

If you are going to let the LBS install some of the parts why not buy the parts from the LBS? I would want the LBS working on my bike to be happy when my bike is in his hands.

Al

A Chris King headset I can get from colorado cyclist cost $129, the same headset from the LBS is almost $200. The LBS will install parts for free if I buy from them, but if I buy online and have them install they only charge $15 for the install. Still cheaper if I buy online and take to the LBS.

Your LBS wants to charge $200 for a standard Chris King? Are you sure they're not pricing for the Steel NoThreadset? MSRP is only $130 I think. If they want to charge you $200 for the regular NoThreadset, I'd find a different LBS.