Integrated Headset
Installation Guide
Integrated headsets are compatible with Integrated Style head tubes (IS). There are molded integrated races that are a part of your bicycle’s head tube, and you simply rest the headset bearings onto these integrated races. See images to the right.
Ensure that you have the correct size headset for your bike’s head tube dimensions. If you are unsure, you can read our article, Everything You Need To Know About Headsets or you can ask your local bike shop.
Glossary of Terms
- Preload Bolt – The bolt that passes through the top cap and threads into the fixed insert (star-nut or compression plug) inside the fork steerer tube.
- Top Cap – The top cap is the cap that rests above the stem or upper spacer. It has a hole in the middle that the preload bolt goes through that allows you to tighten and secure (preload) the headset together.
- Preload – To preload the headset simply means to apply load to the headset bearings in order to keep the system snug and secure. If the bearings are loose, the bearings and headset parts could wear prematurely.
- Star Nut – A fixed insert that is installed inside the fork steerer tube. The star nut is what allows the headset components to be pulled into place inside the head tube.
- Compression Plug – A compression plug is an expandable insert or wedge that is installed on the inside of carbon steerer tubes – this compression plug is what the preload bolt will thread into.
- Upper Bearing Cover Assembly – Below the stem or spacers, there is a bearing cover assembly – a cover and seal for the upper bearing, and a split compression ring.
- Compression Ring – The compression ring interfaces with the upper bearing and steerer tube, which helps keep the steerer tube centered in the headtube.
- Steerer Tube – The steerer tube is the tube that is attached above the fork lowers or fork blades. The steerer tube goes through the head tube and headset and is what the handlebar stem clamps onto.
- Crown Race – The crown race is an angled surface, or race, that interfaces with the bottom bearing.
