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worth swapping shimano to campy threaded headset?

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worth swapping shimano to campy threaded headset?

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Old 07-29-06, 09:07 AM
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worth swapping shimano to campy threaded headset?

I am building up a bike and I've got all the campy parts. The bike currently has
shimano 600 threaded headset (1" steerer). I don't want to scratch up the frame
or the fork. Is it worthy to take the shimano headset out and put in the campy?
thanks.
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Old 07-29-06, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by grinderbob
I am building up a bike and I've got all the campy parts. The bike currently has
shimano 600 threaded headset (1" steerer). I don't want to scratch up the frame
or the fork. Is it worthy to take the shimano headset out and put in the campy?
thanks.
Hmm... well, if you're a crazy Campy purist then you should switch it out But frankly I doubt anyone will notice the difference, and I don't think there's much of a difference in reliability. I've had both and they both worked fine.
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Old 07-29-06, 10:44 AM
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Not worth it, IMHO. Shimano 600 is pretty high quality and I doubt the Campagnolo will last any longer.
But if this is a show bike where having all one brand of componentry is important, then a changeout would make sense. Save the Shimano headset for another nice bike.
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Old 07-29-06, 01:45 PM
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Absolutely agree, change out the Shimano headset when and if it fails but not until then. Save the Campy headset until there is a clear cut need for a new headset.
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Old 07-29-06, 02:05 PM
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The Super Record headsets were a little soft and did not last as long. Most people on budgets would ride Nuovo for price and durability.
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Old 07-29-06, 04:35 PM
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It's worthy! With the correct tools and a little care, swapping the headset is straight forward and the switch won't mar or scratch the head-tube or fork crown. So, go ahead and swap the Campy headset for the Shimano one. In my experience I disagree that Shimano 600 components are high quality, so give the Shimano headset away and if and when the Campy headset cup races are shot (After many seasons and thousands of miles), replace it with another Campy headset.
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Old 07-30-06, 06:16 PM
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You will stare at that 600 headset when you ride and it will bug you. I don't have any experience with a 600 headset (600 rear derailleur was excellent on mtnbike however, recently switched to DA) and it is probably a good headset. Go with the Campy and rest well.
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Old 07-30-06, 07:59 PM
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what a ridiculous thread.
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Old 07-31-06, 09:17 AM
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^agreed.
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Old 07-31-06, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by grinderbob
I am building up a bike and I've got all the campy parts. The bike currently has
shimano 600 threaded headset (1" steerer). I don't want to scratch up the frame
or the fork. Is it worthy to take the shimano headset out and put in the campy?
thanks.

the shimano may be a low stack and the campy a high stack -- i.e., the campy may not fit without shaving the heat tube.

but then again it may fit fine too .

if the headset is loose ball i'd install a cartridge HS.

ed rader
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Old 07-31-06, 03:47 PM
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I like Campy stuff too. In fact, I just installed a Chorus headset on my new frame....

However, I do remember reading somewhere (maybe rec.tech.bicycles?) that there is a Shimano 600 headseat that has superior design to just about anything out there - angular contact bearings and great bearing seals. Wouldn't go out of my way to replace that one....
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Old 07-31-06, 04:32 PM
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Maybe I'm not "Label Conscious" enough but my advice: If the Shimano headset is still in good shape and smooth, LEAVE IT ALONE.
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