I have a 2005 specialized langster single speed. I just got a great deal on a carbon fork so I thought I would upgrade it as the aluminum one currently on it makes the ride pretty harsh.

Is it a good idea for me to have the headset replaced at the same time or does it not matter? If so, I assume I just replace with another 1 1/8" integrated headset?

If the headset is in good condition, no corrosion or pitting and smooth running, I'd keep it. I do my own work and other considerations may come into play if you're having a shop do the work.

What condition are the bearing in, and can you get the crown race off with out damaging it (if a LBS is fitting, they have a tool, if you are doing this at home, can you do it without damage?)

As it has an integrated headset, you will need to find the exact spec, https://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder however this indicates that the 2005 model has a traditional headset, as does a Google image search.

Yeah, I haven't noticed anything wrong at all with how it works. no grinding or shifting or anything. If I were to replace it, how do I know what integrated headsets would fit?

Hmm. This is weird because according to the specialized site it is an intellaset integrated. How can I tell for sure? https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...langster#specs

From the picture the headset fitted on the model bike is a traditional type, what is more important, is what is physically fitted to yours; there is an article on the Park site https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...dset-standards which describes all the types, you need to match yours to theirs (most likely traditional threadless) and get the required replacement if needed.

From your earlier post, there is no real need to replace the headset, as long as you can get the crown race removed and re-fitted without damage.

Might want to take it apart for a good close inspection followed by a good cleaning and regrease. If it is in good shape, then replace it if it makes you feel good or you have desire for some new bling spending...

Gee, why waste $15.00? bk

Can you source another crown race bearing, support ring?
Or remove the one that is on the fork.
if not, then you may have no choice..

If you have the right tools to remove and replace w/o damaging, and the headset is in good shape, go ahead and reuse. If you don't have the right tools, a good headset can be a bad headset pretty quick. Some preventive maintenance while you have it off is always a good idea.

Well said.



You could, of course, go either way on this.



I re-used a perfectly good headset on a recent fork upgrade and was lucky not to have damaged the lower race during removal (I don't have the proper tools to do this efficiently). The time I spent removing the lower race was just about what the headset was probably worth (I later realized that I should have left the lower race on the old fork so that I could easily re-use the fork and the original headset on another bike).



Meanwhile, if I got a good deal on a carbon fork, I'd probably go ahead and spring for a new fully sealed headset to go with it. If you're having a shop do the work then also consider that the cost of removing the old lower race could equal a good part of the cost of a new, and possibly better headset.

Unless you were using the exact same model of headset, it was worth taking off.

Different headsets require different crown races, often even with in the same brand.

What I meant to say was that I could have installed a new headset with the new fork and left the old race on the old fork for use on another bike later on (while, of course, using the old HS that originally went with the old race on the old fork).



For me, it probably wasn't worth the effort to re-use my old HS on my new fork.



And yes, I agree completely agree that you shouldn't try to "mix and match" headset races.