Fork and integrated headset question
 

I recently purchased a 2009 Performance Scattante CFR Team Dura Ace bike as the price (including various sales and mark downs) was too good to pass up. The price was actully lower than the cost of purchasing (at internet discount prices) the good parts, e.g., Dura Ace components, Easton wheels, CF brakes and cranks, really nice CF bars and seat post. Overall, I am quite happy with the bike, though it is a bit heavy at about 16.5 lbs w/o pedals for a 53 cm frame.

This weekend I discovered part of why the bike is heavier than expected. I had occassion to remove the fork and I was shocked at how heavy it was. I suspect that it is at least 1/2 lb heavier than a high end fork. It is massive and uses an AL steerer. Thus, I would like to replace the fork, most likely with a Ritchey WCS UD model. The frame uses an integrated headset.

After poking around a bit, it seems the world of forks and integrated headsets is much more complex than I had anticipated. The bike currently uses an FSA headset that is marked as IS-2. My research indicates that this is likely a Cane Creek standard headset.

My first question is will there be any compatibility problems going to the Ritchey fork? It is designed for an integrated headset, but I'm not sure that all steerer's on 1 1/8" forks are really the same diameter. Also, I have not been able to determine whether bearing race this fork is compatible with Cane Creek headsets.

Is there a possibility I would need to replace the headset? If I do need to replace the headset, how can I determine which headsets would be compatible with this fork?

Are there any other issues I should consider?

Thanks,
Ira

Replace headset with Chris King.

i had an FSA IS-2 integrated headset. I also did a lot of investigating to solve a problem, so i understand how confusing all the information is and how not user friendly it is for someone looking at it for the first time. You are right that it is the Cane Creek standard.

It should fit just fine on any fork that is described as designed for integrated. I think this just means that the fork crown is flat.

You might have to replace the fork crown race as this is hammered down into place, so removal seems unlikely without destroying it. You should take it to your LBS. This is one of the things i do not even attempt to do at home because it is better to use the right tool and you'll hardly ever be fitting a new crown race to warrant buying the tool.

You'll just just need to remove the crown race from the old fork and install it on the new. Ideally you need a race puller to remove it from your old fork. Or you can just carefully pry it off or get a shop to do it. most integrated forks should match up with your head tube the crowns are usually 45mms.

There are 2 standards in integrated headsets, 36x45deg (FSA) and 45x45deg (Campagnolo)

You will need a fork that is made for integrated head sets that has a 45 mm fork crown diameter (so it matches your frame). You can measure the OD of your head tube to check and make sure its 45mm but if it came with an IS-2 (FSA standard) it will.

The fork steering tube will be 30 mm where the "crown race" sits and you can remove this from the old fork and use it on your new fork. Any bike shop can do an off-on for you.

The rake on your old fork is probably 45 . If you try a 43 it may "work" or it may cause the front tire to hit the frame depending how tight the frame was designed.

You will need a new "star nut" for your new fork if it has an aluminum steering tube. If the tube is carbon you'll need to get an expanding plug for it.