> MJ wrote:
> > We haven't had to replace one yet, so I don't have direct experience
with
> how it might be different than a conventional
> > headset... it's something I'll have to ask my service manager.
>
Steve replied
> I have to tell you that I'm a bit surprised by the answer. I would think you would want to know
> how easy and/or hard repairs would be and as importantly, if you had the tools to do so before you
> add it to your
product
> line.
There's not much I can't do to a bicycle, but the fact that I haven't torn apart an integrated
headset (aside from the 1/2 integrated headset on my
5900)... well, to be honest, it just doesn't bother me. That's what I have an exceptional service
manager for. My time is spent in half a zillion different areas (including time spent on-line
in newsgroups), as is that of most shop owners. I grew up as a mechanic, and there's little I
enjoy more than making a bicycle live up to its potential. But I don't have enough time in the
day to get involved in every single thing and, since integrated headsets haven't reared their
ugly head as a problem area, they haven't gotten much attention from me.
But yes, we have all required tooling to install and remove them. That was the case before the first
one came in the door. We also have all required tooling to work on pressed-in Klein bottom brackets,
which you also brought up.
> And what is the answer to my original question ?. Just how involved is service ?. Do they press in
> using existing press tools ?. Is removal the same ?. Is there potential damage to the frame that
> doesn't exist in existing designs ?.
I think you'll find all your questions answered here-
http://www.canecreek.com/site/product/headset/info/pdf/IS_eng.pdf
Basically, there are no special tools whatsoever needed to overhaul an integrated headset of the
CaneCreek style. The fork crown race is the only thing that requires tools for proper installation,
and it's the same tool you'd use for a conventional headset.
Potential frame damage may occur in either an integrated or standard headset if the bike suffers a
significant impact to the fork, or someone really botches up the installation or the initial
machining of the head tube. More care is involved in machining the head tube of an integrated
headset bike, because you're not simply squaring the ends of the headtube and reaming to a
specific diameter, but also machining a shelf on the inside of the headtube that the cartridge
bearing sits on.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com