I have finally realized what is wrong with this headset that i have been battling for weeks. The bore depth on my s-works e5 is deeper than my headset. I have tried 2 headsets and both are virtually the same one is a drop in and the other is a press fit bearings, both recommended by specialized customer service. However the taper for the bearings is to low and my fork is just rubbing on my frame and not snug with my headset (same with the top). What does this mean Im not a master mechanic but I can wrench my own. Does this sound like maybe an italian headset? I bought the frame off ebay and have no clue wtf this things deal is. Specailzed said they used multiple mindsets on these frames, so what f'in one do i have.

It just sits to low here is a pic.

https://i40.tinypic.com/2cn70p2.jpg

Well based in what u say and what the web site says the bike uses a 1 1/8" integrated threadless headset. I might be wrong but u have one of the aqua & sapone frames right? If thats the case that frame i believe was set with Specialized Mindset 2, 1 1/8" integrated threadless, triple sealed stainless cartridge bearings. Now the question is if the Mindset was a propietary headset or not. 1st time i heard about it.

Here u have something related:

https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-267183.html

From what i read u are kind'a screw because that headset was propietary but there is a solution and that takes me a point in which many spelcialized frames come with a semi integrated headset. And apparently thats the way to go somehow.

Good luck