Headset replacement - quick bit of advice needed!

[Pupajim]

I have a specialized langster 2008 which needs a new headset (specs: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2008/langster/langster#specs). It says i need a 'Specialized Mindset, 1 1/8" integrated threadless, sealed bearings, alloy 20mm cone w/ one 10mm and two 5mm alloy spacers', i'm fairly new to fixing anything on bikes beyond rudimentary maintenance and i just need to know if i'm looking at the right headset before i buy it.

I've been looking at these two

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/spec...19.html?gclid=CL6u8pu82sQCFcjnwgodDmsAWg#info

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/specialized-road-mindset-fsa-headset-black-id48562.html

and i wasn't entirely sure what the difference was (or if these are the right ones), the second one kind of looks more like the one i have on currently. I'm only really using the bike to commute at the moment so it doesn't have to be anything amazing, but obviously i want it to last and work well.

Any help would be much appreciated

 

[accountantpete]

You really need to speak to an expert on Specialized Mindsets but basically the Mindset was a semi-integrated headset, meaning that the cups with the bottom race were pressed more or less all the way into the headtube top and bottom. Then you had caged bearings and finally a cap.

The easiest solution is simply to replace the caged bearings - unless the races are shot. You can simply install loose bearings of the same size if the cage is worn.

Otherwise you need to knock out the cups from the headtube - which according to a quick google is sometimes very difficult and sometimes easy.

Then a quick glance at the Cane Creek Headset Finder states that your bike's headtube has an ID of 41mm (ie internal diameter) so you need to confirm with the retailer that the Mindset on sale is for a 41mm ID or better still ask them if it will fit your bike.

(The Cyclestore blurb suggests it does "41mm Complete Specialized Mindset headset including cartridge sealed bearings. Road and MTB model. Fits Mindset-equipped bikes with inch and an eighth steerersW2060322 / w2060031"

The 2nd linked headset is described as a BMX headset so I think the first one is the way to go.

ps - You can bodge a solution using a Cane Creek headset (see bottom post)

http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/267183-specialized-mindset-headset-replacement.html

 

[Pupajim]

thanks alot, i guess i'll take it apart this evening and try and get a proper look at what parts need replacement and get in contact with a seller once i've got my head around it, once i actually know which parts are which and how it goes together i don't think i'll have a problem understanding it

 

[Milzy]

thanks alot, i guess i'll take it apart this evening and try and get a proper look at what parts need replacement and get in contact with a seller once i've got my head around it, once i actually know which parts are which and how it goes together i don't think i'll have a problem understanding it

What did you decide to do in the end? Are you still riding a Langster 10 years on?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

What did you decide to do in the end? Are you still riding a Langster 10 years on?

He's not been on here since 2015!

 

[Ajax Bay]

John Nott job