I've a bike worth of components spare since selling my Heckler frame earlier in the year so have being giving the purchase of a new frame some thought, something along the lines of my 06 Marin Rocky Ridge but of course new and shiney. I thought about a BluePig, a 456, all the other usual suspects even through to a Soul. One 'build kit' I've got is quite burly (Pike, Saint etc), the other a bit lighter (Vanilla, XT etc). This got me thinking, instead of replacing the RR with an updated version, why not keep the RR as is and build something light and XC instead. A trawl round EBay latter and I decided to take a punt on one of these:
[url] http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330375690523&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT [/url]
Seems to suit me pretty well: it looks a decent frame but as its not a familar brand to the UK, good and cheap!
Anyway, the question (still with me?!): it looks like a semi integrated headset frame, something I've no previous experience of. Is semi integrated the same as zero stack? If I measure the ID of the headtube when it arrives, is it just a matter of buying a headset to suit? Are most 44mm? Anyone care to give me a quick run down please.
Integrated headsets are basically where the bearings sit directly on the internal face of the headtube.
Internal headsets are where the traditional 'cup' of existing headsets sit inside the headtube and the bearings then sit inside the cup. This is also known as zero stack and semi-integrated.
Integrated headsets are the type that Chris King abhor because of poor tolerances and stress or something and is the type sometimes referred to as 'campy style'. I'm not commenting personally, just relaying that there is some debate as to the wisdom of integrated headsets.
You tend to find that internal headsets are fitted to 1.5" headtubes and thus allow for the fitting of 1 1/8" inch fork steerers. The internal diameter allows the cup and bearing to sit inside the headtube, thus reducing the stack height, hence the term zero stack.
Not sure what you will need for the new frame, but hope this helps.
FWIW Corratec were around in the UK until 90s, used to make typical 'Euro racers' in some pretty lurid paint schemes which were ridden by racing snakes in pretty lurid lycra! Seem to remember they had a good reputation. As far as I know they've continued to sell in Europe (as in the Continent for EU-philes!), that one looks pretty good.
I've not experienced any problems with a couple of frames with integrated headsets, you can usually find them on CRC from FSA and Cane Creek.
park tools website has a good break down for you....
[url= http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68 ]linky[/url]
Cheers guys, informative as ever, and not even one comment of 'why don't you ring them and ask', which I'll probably do when they reopen. 😀
Following on from geetee's post - there's a writeup on the chrisking website about the different types and why they don't like the integrated jobbies - worth a read IMO.
A manufacturer whose advertising relies on the BIG BRANDED LETTERS on the surfaces of his external headsets might not be the most unbiased source of opinion on designs with no loud branding.
That article was written an age ago and the concerns of CK have not been realised. Civilisation has not collapsed!
I've also no preference one way or another, but I'll respect CK's views a bit more when he make a headset that doesn't score featherweight carbon steerers.
Well, here it is. Took a little while to get hold of but built up in an evening. New parts = frame and headset, bottom bracket and brake pads. New spend just a bit over £200 - I'm pretty pleased with that.
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Pedals will be SPD when I get around to it. Needs a bit of setup after riding, maybe a flat bar, trim the steerer, perhaps a nice saddle.
I like that, I'd go for the flat bar and SPDs myself
crank needs to line up with seattube, needs to be in top gear for photos, carpet could do with a hoover, although good choice in colour for a MTBer carpet 😀
Aye, I think I'll stretch to a flat bar, much more in keeping with its purpose.
Neatly avoided the tyre logo thing though didn't I?!
Those bits on the carpet are ice from where I gave it a quick blast up the road! As you can see from the door frames/skirting, still a bit of diy work to do in the hall. The lounge would have provided a much nicer back drop but I don't think that would have went down very well! The dining room and kitchen are in a similar state to the hall. Upstairs is done though!
