David Bonnell said:I've got a low-end Giant MTB frame and I'm not sure what type of
headset is required. The frame is likely a '00 or '01. It is
definitely not a zerostack compatible headset (I have an '02 Giant
that is).Are there any web references/guides that can help out? I saw
Sheldon's headset crib sheet, but that didn't help.
The cane creek website was slightly better, with a .pdf of various
integrated headtube dimensions. Arggh. I wish they (the headset and
bicycle companies) would just stick with one design!!FWIW, the headtube inner diameter is approx. 1 5/8" ( < 42 mm), and
the depth is pretty shallow...about 5/16" (8 mm). There appears to be
wear at the bottom, as if bearings were installed directly in the
headtube itself. I guess that would make this an "integrated" headset
(rather than an "internal" headset). Hope I can find a replacement...
No promises without an exact measurement, but I'm pretty sure it's a
particular nasty, obscure-ish semi-integrated (aka internal) size
that's very uncommon overall but that Giant has used on some bikes.
Does each end of the headtube have a flat internal shoulder at the end
of that 8mm, as opposed to any kind of angular surface there? If so,
it's just a freaky size that not a lot of people are familiar with,
but Giant dealers can order and sell you. It's in their catalog that
all dealers will have.
It may or may not be the same or have some relation to the standard
described here as "Microtech": http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68
.. I know it probably looks similar, but the Giant I've seen that used
this had zerostack-style pressed cup that are just their own funky
size. But that was an 05 road bike.
Also, aside from inch-based measurements often used to describe
steerer sizes, everything regarding headset standards is normally and
best communicated in metric.
Hiddenset also uses headtubes with an ID of 41.8ish, but there is an
angled seat for the bearing and wouldn't be found on a cheap mountain
bike from 7 years ago anyway.