I used to be a regular here, and coming back after a 3 year hiatus. In early 2007, I built up a Cannondale 2.8 frame (1996) and put ~7000 odd miles on it in a span of 2 years. The frameset when I bought it on eBay, came with a threaded 1" fork and headset installed. The steerer was cut too short and I had to get a threadless stem riser and adapter so I can raise the handlebar height a little. It didn't help much.

So now the idea is to do a complete overhaul in that area. I bought a Nashbar 1" threadless carbon fork and a Ritchey logic 1" threadless headset. The bike shop is 25 miles from my house and being the DIYer that I am, I would like to do as much of this work myself, as possible.

So my question is, in the absence of a headset press tool, what would be the bare minimum job that I must take to the bike shop? Should I get the top and bottom cups installed by the shop and then do everything else myself? I don't wish to cut the steerer just yet, so I guess I will need some spacers. Where do I get these spacers? Can the headset be fully installed even when the steerer is not cut?

I have never done any headset work, so I am feeling a bit lost here. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.