Headset for 2011 Madone 5.2

[boss]

Hi all,

Looking to put a new headset in my Madone. I've done some searching and the spec of the headset is "Integrated, cartridge bearings, sealed, alloy, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom".

From my understanding of bike things, because it's integrated, this means to refresh my headset I need to buy some new bearings. However, my understanding of bike things may not apply to road bike things. The one thing that I find a little different is the different in sizes between top and bottom bearing.

Can anyone help me with a bit of a link or something to what headset ticks the boxes? I can't seem to find anything with a bigger bottom bearing - all I seem to find are 1-1/8".

Cheers,

Jim

[biker jk]

Hi Jim

You need a tapered integrated headset. Here's a link to one which is 1 1/8 inch to 1.5 inch. Note the stack height could vary from your current headset which might require playing around with the spacers.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=84328

I suppose you could also just purchase replacement bearings for your current headset.

[boss]

Thanks buddy. Appreciate that link a bunch. Wish Trek called it a bloody tapered headset on the specs!

[stevecassidy]

Hi Jim,
be careful with the Trek headset. I built up a frame which came without a headset and bought what I thought would fit over the net only to find that it didn't fit into the frame. The gross measurements aren't enough, especially for the lower bearing which pushes directly into the frame - the shape needs to be right.

I ended up taking the frame into the local dealer who ordered in the part (expensive). I'm sure the right part will be available but it would pay to check that it was suitable for your frame, either by checking the detailed measurements or getting a recommendation from a reliable source.

I ended up with a Cane Creek headset, but I'm not sure what model. You could try their fit-finder to find your model.

Steve

[biker jk]

Hi Jim,
be careful with the Trek headset. I built up a frame which came without a headset and bought what I thought would fit over the net only to find that it didn't fit into the frame. The gross measurements aren't enough, especially for the lower bearing which pushes directly into the frame - the shape needs to be right.

I ended up taking the frame into the local dealer who ordered in the part (expensive). I'm sure the right part will be available but it would pay to check that it was suitable for your frame, either by checking the detailed measurements or getting a recommendation from a reliable source.

I ended up with a Cane Creek headset, but I'm not sure what model. You could try their fit-finder to find your model.

Steve

Steve. I just checked the Trek Madone service manual and the headset is a tapered (1 1/8 inch top and 1 1/2 inch bottom) integrated model which is slip fit. The is pretty standard for integrated headsets which use 36 deg x 45 deg contact. Which headset did you buy that didn't fit your Trek?

[stevecassidy]

Steve. I just checked the Trek Madone service manual and the headset is a tapered (1 1/8 inch top and 1 1/2 inch bottom) integrated model which is slip fit. The is pretty standard for integrated headsets which use 36 deg x 45 deg contact. Which headset did you buy that didn't fit your Trek?

I got this one based on the best information I could find - which didn't include the 36 deg contact, looks like that's where I went wrong.

This was my first time building a modern bike so I wasn't familiar with the various measurements and fittings. This was really the only place I stuffed up so it wasn't too bad. I did find it very hard sourcing technical specs for the frame. I did find the tech manual at some later time which helped with the build but found interpreting some of the numbers difficult.

Steve

[boss]

Aren't hiddensets campag style?

[biker jk]

Aren't hiddensets campag style?

Yes, they use 45 deg x 45 deg angular contact. My Tomassini uses a Campag Hiddenset.

[boss]

Turns out the bottom bearing is 36x36 1.5 inch. Top is 36x45 1 1/8.

Thanks Trek for picking the weirdest size ever...