headset question??? how can i tell the difference??
 

Hey All,

Im trying to piece together a road bike and I see there are multiple types of headsets, (i.e. threadless, integrated). How can I tell which type of headset i need? I have a 2002 Specialized S-Works E5 frameset if that helps.

Thanks All

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...Road&Type=bike
Your headset: 1" threadless Specialized Mind Set SP-5

I once purchased a Chris King for a 1" steerer tubed bike. It was a nice headset, or so I was told.

When I swapped frames, I could not use the CC on the new frame, for assorted reasons and went with an Ultegra sealed.

The CC was about $100 (mid 90's). The Ultegra about $25.

I could not tell any perceivable difference, other then the Ultegra was easier to install. Both would have outlasted the frame, given that the typical roadie might go thru a new road bike every 10 years or so, at least.

I'm now of the opinion that a lot of this crap - cassettes, chains, headsets, stems, h-bars, pedals among others, are a waste of money for boutique level and certainly Dura-Ace level. Best value is the Shimano 105 stuff an the Campy/SRAM equivalent.

In English, it's an integrated headset. Unfortunately, it's also proprietary. Here's a work around.