Tapered Headset With Regular Fork?
 

So I'm thinking about purchasing a 2010 Giant Omnium (no fork) but it has integrated headset tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/4". I'm not really familiar with tapered headsets so would I be able to use a 1-1/8" fork on this without any problems? Or would I need to get a different kind of fork or headset? Your answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

No. The fork has to match the headset at both the crown bearing (1-1/4") and top bearing which fits 1-1/8". that's what's meant by a tapered headset.

If you're set on a standard 1-1/8" fork, you might find a special headset made for the application using the larger 1-1/4 lower bearing to fit the frame, but with a smaller 1-1/8" inner race (crown race) to match your fork. Or there might be an adapter shim made (haven't searched , so I don't know) made to enlarge a 1-1/8" fork's crown to the larger 1-1/4" nominal dimension.

Cane Creek is the major player in the tapered headset world, so you might start by checking their site or calling their customer service dept.

AFAIK, you will need the OEM fork which will have a tapered (or stepped?) steerer to match the two different size headset bearings and the proper crown race. I don't believe there are any reducers that will let you use a 1-1/8" lower heasdet bearing so you could use a conventional fork. If you haven't bought the frame and the fork and headset aren't included, I'd pass.

The heatube on the Giant Omnium has a different is larger at the bottom to accept a larger (1-1/4") integrated (I assume) headset. They make reducers that would allow you to use a standard untapered fork and special headsets that include tapered headset reducers that will reduce the lower headset size.

Edit: Here is an example http://www.bike.com/item/cane-creek-...et-cup/L10294/

OK, it can be done. Good info.

That link is for a traditional headtube, the OP stated that the headtube uses an integrated headset.

The OP is now aware of the issue and has enough info that he can do the needed research for an integrated version of the "adapter" headset.

So I've decided against buying the frame due to the fact that it seems like too much of a hassle. Thanks for the help guys!

The why no fork , I'm thinking.. crashed and broke it,
but sounds like taking a pass on the buy took, care of future issues.