How easy/difficult is it to install a zero stack or integral headset?
 

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on my first frame set that would need to be built from scratch. Am I correct to believe that a zero stack/integral does not need a headset press to install? I want to be able to do all the work myself but I don't want to buy a press or ruin the headset/frame trying a diy press install.

An integrated headset does not need a cup press but a zero stack has cups that do have to be pressed into the headtube flairs. All headsets have to have the crown race/base plate set although a few models have split races that can be installed with finger pressure.

Thanks. I probably will just try to take it to the LBS and pay the $20-30 to have them do it but I don't have a car right now so easier said then done

Zero stack and integrated are not the same. Just to expand a little on what HillRider said: Integrated headsets have their bearing cups (surfaces really) milled into the head tube itself. There is no additional cup to install - the bearings just drop into the head tube and sit against the milled surface that is part of the head tube itself.

Zero stack have bearing cups pressed into the head tube just like what they call "External Cup" or, I guess, original threadless headsets. The difference is that zero stack protrude very little above the headset, the cups pretty much completely nestle inside the head tube. The External Cup headset is just that, the cups are completely external to the head tube. But both have separate parts that are the bearing cups - the bearing surface is not milled into the head tube.

Integrated headsets require no tools at all. Zero and External cups need to be pressed in. So you just need to know if it's zero stack or integrated. Even if it's zero stack, your LBS will probably press it in for $10 or so, while you wait.

Take a look at this and the illustrations show the differences: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...dset-standards

Thanks. I am deciding between a Dolan Pre Cursa with intergrated headset and a Leader 725 which uses zero stack. I'll probably end up going with the Dolan because it seems like more bang for the buck