I have recently changed the stem height on my Madone, which has an integrated headset. I adjusted the headset preload to the point where there was no detectable play in the fork/headset area, tightened down the stem bolts and took her out for a ride. Now, I'm getting some minor "stuttering" when applying the front brake, leading me to believe that the headset may still be too loose. Up until now, I have always adjusted the headset preload just to the point of no play, and never had any issues. I've seen a few forum posts where some people claim integrated headsets need more preload in order to compress everything properly, but the manuals I have read basically said just tighten until there is no play. So, are integrated headsets a slightly different animal in this regard?

if you added, removed, or changed positions of spacers, you may have removed required gap between top of steerer and cap. it will create an illusion of a properly adjusted headset when in fact there is none.

AFAIK there is no difference in proper adjustment technique as regards integrated vs. non-integrated headsets.

OTOH, it may not be the headset at all. stuttering as a result of braking could be caused by a number of things. if ONLY noticeable when braking i might start looking elsewhere for problems.

I appreciate the reply. I did change spacer positions with the stem, but there is definitely a gap at the top of the steerer to allow adjustment. I'm just wondering if I need to tighten beyond the "just to eliminate play" threshold. It could be something else causing the braking stutter, but it didn't start happening until after I adjusted the stem/headset. I haven't made any other adjustments to the bike other than the seat position.

Stand next to the bike, apply the front brake and rock the bike back & forth. Try to determine where the looseness is.

sometimes "a gap" is not enough, i've had some topcaps recently that exhibited a desire to bottom out before effectively tightening the headset properly, even WITH a gap. it's due to a fairly large recess in the cap's lip. just passing on an experience.

IME, the amount of tension necessary to adjust a threadless headset is small. in fact, i have successfully installed them without the use of a cap at all. i simply push down on the stem, while holding it straight, and tighten the stem bolts.

You did all this with the wheel on the ground , so didn't shuffle re-stack/lose any of the headset parts them selves?

FWIW I Added a QBP Locking spacer* directly above the top headset race, just for those situations ..

So fork wouldn't fall out when I loosened the stem, with an integrated Headset..

*Universal Cycles -- Problem Solvers Locking Headset Spacers