SpongeDad

Seems that folks don't like integrated headsets under the theory that when they wear out you're frame is junked.

Has this actually ever happened to anyone?

Is there any other reason to dislike integrated headsets (other than devotion to Chris King)?

MichaelW

It depends if you consider your frame to be a consumable item.
There are riders who expect frames to last a couple of decades. Will you be able to find your particular style of integrated HS in 15 years time?

markwebb

I hate 'em because I like to adjust my bar height throughout the season. I hear the primary reason for going to threadless is weight. Well, what does weight have to do with even inexpensive bikes coming with threadless these days?

Grasschopper

Ok so I have seen you make that point in a couple of threads...but what the hell does that have to do with the OPs topic? He is asking about integrated headsets not threadless headsets vs threaded.

Oh and you may want to get used to it...threadless is here to stay and threaded/quill setups will only get harded to buy parts for in the future.

Dubbayoo

I'm thinking that, like sloping top tubes, it largely comes down to cost. Instead of having to build frames in 1-2cm increments you build a small, medium, large and maybe XL.

jeh

It can make it harder to setting up the front side of the bike, if you're used to setting it up with a non-integrated style headset. the headtube is ususally shorter, so you need to have more spacers to get the same position you're used to.
I think most people don't like them because they don't like change. both system works, integrated makes everything cleaner, there's no logos sticking above or below my headtube. I like it.

I don't really like that there are like 7 different integrated styles, that's kind of bogus. everyone is trying to get their peice of the pie..

use what ya got
-j

DannoXYZ 

I think it's primarily an aesthetics idea. There are people who go ga-ga over the "clean" look of an integrated headset.

roadfix

Although I've owned several bikes with threadless headsets, non have been integrated. I personally would stick with non-integrated headset/frame, given the choice when shopping for a new frame, for instance.

But on my current re-build, I'm installing a new integrated style fork in a conventional threadless headset. The only thing that's 'integrated' here is the way the flattened, (or integrated) fork crown butts up against the headset, edge to edge. I think they mate very well.

AnthonyG

From experience I could never set up an integrated headset just so. The bike wasn't as stable as I liked and I couldn't ride it no hands although there are other factors to consider. I've read that there are weaknesses in the design of integrated headsets and the bearings can move around under high forces.

So I've recently built up my custom framed Hillbrick and I specified a non-integrated headset. Now this bike has a VERY short wheelbase at 895 mm and fast steering with 53 mm of TRAIL [EDIT] so I was concerned that it might be unstable but despite my concerns its perfectly stable and I CAN ride it no hands.

Was this all down to the headset? Probably not but in my view a good non-integrated headset certainly helped.

Regards, Anthony

rufvelo

Certain manufacturers actually began to release 'research papers' on the negatives of integrated. Guess what they were selling...you're right - headsets

May have been the same folks who wanted you to buy modern frames, but insisted you replace aluminum every 5 and carbon every 3 years

merlinextraligh

narrow tie, wide tie, applied to bicycle industry.

Az B

I like having replaceable cups. If you somehow manage to damage the cup surface, you can replace them. If you damage an integrated sets mating surface, it's time for a new frame. And aluminum and carbon fiber are easier to damage than many people think.

Az

fmw

I'm only aware of two types of integrated headsets - Campy and Cane Creek with FSA being the main supplier of the Campy type. I think most of the concerns people voice here are more theoretical than actual. I don't know of anybody that's had a problem with an integrated headset and nobody on these forums has ever reported one to my knowledge. Personally, I have two bikes with them and I think they are fine. They certainly are easier to build and maintain. I can go either way, though. It doesn't matter to me.

roadfix

One feature of integrated headsets that they emphasize is the low stack height compared to conventional sets. I personally think that the additional length and the "lips" of integrated head tubes somewhat negate this feature....

SpongeDad

Thanks all. Seems like the negatives are mostly theoretical or aesthetic.

If I get 15 years out of this frame (Merlin Ti), I'll be okay with that.

roadfix

I like that analogy....