IS headset.

[.8down]

Im starting to build my Giant up and it has an integrated headset, anyone know if it needs compressing?

[uzziboy]

compressing only is when u have to install the headset cups into frame, i believe that with an integrated headset u just have to buy special one that only comes with outside races and bearings.

[project_d]

I had one on my Giant AC, and I recalled just pulling the old one out and slipping a new one in. I could not recall taking out any sort of "cup".

Here's something from wikipedia:
Integrated headsets

A relatively new and emergent headset design, integrated headsets do away with the upper and lower cups on threadless headsets and instead seat the bearings directly against the head tube of the frame. Favored sometimes for their aesthetic appeal, integrated headsets reduce the number of parts involved in the headset assembly. Prominent standards for integrated headsets include Cane Creek's "IS" and Campagnolo's standard, which is nameless apart from the manufacturer name. Chris King, a leading manufacturer of bicycle headsets, offers a vehement argument against the implementation of integrated headsets. The basis of King's argument is that headtubes with bearing "seats" are far from being machined with reasonable precision. The headset cartridge bearings therefore sit somewhat loosely in the headtube of the bicycle (as opposed to being press fit). Without sufficient preload from the headset top cap, the bearings can potentially slide in their seats and easily damage the softer frame material (often aluminum, although some titanium frames are manufactured for integrated headsets). Given enough damage to the frame, there would be no choice but to replace the frame, especially if the frame is made of an aluminum alloy (titanium and steel can potentially be repaired, but usually at great cost to the consumer). King also argues that the integrated headset is largely a cost-cutting measure for many of the larger bicycle manufacturers, since integrated headsets are somewhat cheaper and take less time to install.

[tkblazer]

the trance does NOT run an integrated headset, they use internal Zerostack style headsets.. you can use cane creek zs-6 short, FSA orbit z among others

[.8down]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

the trance does NOT run an integrated headset, they use internal Zerostack style headsets.. you can use cane creek zs-6 short, FSA orbit z among others

ok so now that we have established its a internal zero stack. The frame came with a FSA headset, there is a ring on the lower part of the stack that seems to keep the bearings in place, do I need to compress that to lock the lower bearing in place? freaken Giant always have to be different

[tkblazer]

the ring you speak of goes against the bearing right? that should be the crown race for your fork

this is a crown race

[.8down]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

the ring you speak of goes against the bearing right? that should be the crown race for your fork

this is a crown race

Yep that looks like the one, its got a notch in it, it looks as though it needs to be pressure fitted in...thoughts?

[tkblazer]

if it has a notch than thats a lot easier to work with. just sit the race on the fork if there is no race currently on there. You can use a PVC pipe to seat the race

[.8down]

ok I will give it a go...