Headset Help (I think its Integrated)
 

Just was wondering if anyone could help me out with picking out a headset. I want to say its a full integrated since it looks to me like the top and bottom of the head tube have built in cups and wouldn't allow for a press in top thats for sure. I am going with an orange theme once the bike is all done up so this headset did happen to catch my eye. Any thoughts to if it will be ok / work? I really dont have a ton of knowledge on full integrated headsets. The last one I built up I bought a headset that was sold by the company I got the frame from. This frame I had no clue on any of the measurement when buying it.

I do have a caliper to measure MM but I have seen there is a few different size bearing sizes for integrated. I set it to 40mm and it looks like that is what would fit into the spacing.

Headset I am looking at.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370988044989...84.m1423.l2649

Top
http://i59.tinypic.com/zxw3f9.jpg

Bottom
http://i57.tinypic.com/6qcwhu.jpg

Frame if anyone wants to know :)
http://i62.tinypic.com/4hqpn9.jpg

Is it Specialized Sequoia? Looks very similar...hard to be sure just looking at the small pics.
Edit: Felt ZA?
Guessing game lol

I dont think its a Sequoia, the rear stays look different and beefy were it goes from alum to carbon. The rear dropouts are different looking as well. To be honest I am not sure what it is. I got it from Aliexpress and it was well worth what I paid for it. But I have zero info on who makes the frame or even what series aluminum it is. Its very very light and well made. I like the seat tube. It goes from a 27.2 post and then gets fat to a 34.9 derailleur clamp sizing. I did have to compound out some marks on it and bust out some white nail polish/clear coat. Now you cant even tell that it had imperfections and even the ones that it did have was really minor.

Cant wait to build this thing up!

http://i57.tinypic.com/9uwtph.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/29wu13b.png

from the pics, i'd say 1 1/8 traditional threadless headset, with caged bearings or cartridge bearings. both are available online.

OTOH, i don't know if it's just the pic, but IME my guess usually means the inside lip, top and bottom, are of equal depth. maybe they aren't? if not, i'm way off.

+1

The only thing that throws me off is that the top headtube lip is not as deep as the bottom. Like a top cup wouldnt be able to press into the frame

Well I just had an old zero stack thread less headset with caged bearings and there is no way that would be able to be pressed into the frame. The OD of the cups are to big and the top depth would never let the cup fit flush if it was about to be pressed in. I think it is a integrated headset

I took my headset and fork off my other bike that has a FSA Orbit IS 2 headset and slapped it on and snugged it down with its bars / stem and it felt like a perfect fit. Put my wheel set on as well to see if I could get any loose play. From just the front brake I felt no side to side or back and forth other then the fact the rear was lifting up since I didnt have a rear break ;) But I just went and ordered the same FSA headset. It should work, or at least as of now with out a test ride it should lol. The Headset bearings are stamped 36/45 and my OD of my headtube is 45mm so hopefully it should work.

Well it was a good learning XP. I guess if anyone runs into the same problem hopefully this helped. Wont have the bike built up for another month till all the odds and end parts ship in but all that is left now is a set of tires. So wont be able to actually test the headset but will get back to this thread if I run into a problem.

Most chances are your frame was make by Ideal in Taiwan or China , who make frames for other company like Cannondale , Raleigh to name a few .

i was curious so i took a look at an ad for that headset, looks like press-in cups with angular fit cartridge bearings. bottom cup has shorter pressfit collar than top cup. interesting.

It looks like it is a Cane Creek style 41.0mm 36/45 integrated 1 1/8" headset. FSA makes some to that standard. The upper bearing will sit above flush, and the cap is recessed. Good ones come with shims to get it perfect.

Looks like you may have paint in the cup area. Might want to clean that up. Don't get a Campag compatible as they are 41.8mm.

And for what it is worth, Jenson USA has Cane Creek IS-3's for $20, which is a fabulous deal on a $45 headset. You can find Aheadset's $22, but they fall apart on me after one rainy season.

And so I don't appear a shill, I have never bought from Jenson. I found this in searching for parts for a Nashbar frame, but didn't end up needing.

That is my "problem" with so many standards, even in the same line/brand/model of bikes. It feels like there is a cheap, good, fancy and the right aka expensive standard just for a headset. Then few standards for BB, hubs, drivetrain and wheels...Add some vintage to the mix and even experienced mechanics head is spinning from time to time lol.

Thanks for the help I ended up getting a FSA Orbit IS 2 Headset for 24 bucks off ebay shipped. Probably would have been about the same with Jenson unless they have free shipping. I was thinking if I should sand it or repaint it. Although looking at the part the bearing will sit in that is smooth so not sure if I should even mess with it other then a nice big glob of grease between it.

The FSA Headset is 36/45 same one I used when swapped stuff from my one bike to test it. Its probably a 41mm ID bearing but I could find any printing on the bearings its self.

This does look like an integrated headset as long as the cups are part of the frame and not just painted over.