Integrated Headset Replacement

capwater said:

I've checked out some info on the Cane Creek site (looking at the IS-6) about installing an integrated headset and there is no mention of any special press/tool required since there are no cups, the headtube actually serving that purpose. Is it as straightforward as it appears to be? Anything to watch out for? I've done enough work with conventional headsets to have a fair degree of confidence, just never tried it on the integrated model. FWIW; it's a 2002 Klein Q Pro Carbon.

Thanks.

Your bike has a Klein proprietary lower headset - you can't buy a replacement from Cane Creek, but the upper bearings are standard Cane Creek. You do have some options if you really need to replace the whole thing, but you need to do some reading up before you try anything - start with the Tech Manual (I think the Klein site still has 2002 available, if not I can provide one for you in .pdf format... there are a couple special tools you need.

I'd take it to a LBS that does a lot of Kleins - unless the mechanic understands the Klein headset he could screw it up.

I've never seen a Klein headset fail except for crash damage - what happened to yours?

DiabloScott said:

Your bike has a Klein proprietary lower headset - you can't buy a replacement from Cane Creek, but the upper bearings are standard Cane Creek. You do have some options if you really need to replace the whole thing, but you need to do some reading up before you try anything - start with the Tech Manual (I think the Klein site still has 2002 available, if not I can provide one for you in .pdf format... there are a couple special tools you need.

I'd take it to a LBS that does a lot of Kleins - unless the mechanic understands the Klein headset he could screw it up.

I've never seen a Klein headset fail except for crash damage - what happened to yours?

Looks like their archieve only goes back to 2004. Much appreciated if you could email me the manual at [email hidden].

capwater said:

Looks like their archieve only goes back to 2004. Much appreciated if you could email me the manual at [email hidden].

Not sure where you are looking but they have Tech manuals back to 2001 at

kleinbikes.comtech manual.htmlOpen ↗

2002 manual pages 52-53 go into headset service.

serenaslu said:

Not sure where you are looking but they have Tech manuals back to 2001 at

kleinbikes.comtech manual.htmlOpen ↗

2002 manual pages 52-53 go into headset service.

Thanks for the link. Holy [censored]! Looks like LBS time instead of the DIY method for this puppy.

capwater said:

Thanks for the link. Holy [censored]! Looks like LBS time instead of the DIY method for this puppy.

Let me know what the bike shop tells you. I'd go in at a slow time and pick the mechanic's brain. Find out if he's done some before - may have to special order parts etc.

DiabloScott said:

Let me know what the bike shop tells you. I'd go in at a slow time and pick the mechanic's brain. Find out if he's done some before - may have to special order parts etc.

Got a super reliable guy. Guess I'm now wondering if it might be more of an adjustment issue since you seem to indicate failure is rare. Now the bike is an ex pro race bike so it's got some hard miles on it. I'm experiencing a slight, very slight stiffness not quite approaching a grinding feeling. I did just swap a stem out a month ago and might look at it from that angle.

Thanks for your advice, just recalled you're a fellow Q Pro rider.

capwater said:

Got a super reliable guy. Guess I'm now wondering if it might be more of an adjustment issue since you seem to indicate failure is rare. Now the bike is an ex pro race bike so it's got some hard miles on it. I'm experiencing a slight, very slight stiffness not quite approaching a grinding feeling. I did just swap a stem out a month ago and might look at it from that angle.

Thanks for your advice, just recalled you're a fellow Q Pro rider.

Mine is not adjustable at all, the steer tube is glued to the bearings and the bearings are glued into the frame - I'll be looking at a much bigger mechanic's bill if mine ever wears out. That "normal" upper bearing thing was a compromise Klein made for 2002. Mine's a Quantum Pro '98. Q-pro is the name they went to when they added the carbon stays.

Still, I'd like to know what your guy thinks and does.