Another 256 builder with q's

[Akchugacher]

Got a medium 256 build going with xo1 shifter and derailleur.  xx1 cassette.  carbon bar, stem, seat post from xmiplay.  carbon wheels also from xmiplay w/ dt swiss 240s hubs.  Raceface next sl crankset, and xt brakes

First question I have is regarding the headset.  Is this an integrated headset?  do the bearings just sit right on the carbon with no cups of any sort?  The headset that was sent with the bike didn't have any cups.  If that is the case I don't press anything I assume?

Thanks in advance

[Carbon_Dude]

Integrated means the cups are built into the frame.  There is an aluminum ring at each end of the head tube that the headset drops into.

[Akchugacher]

Thanks carbon dude.  So this must not be an integrated head tube (just bare carbon in the head tube).  The headset they sent didn't come with cups.  What sort of cups should I purchase or should I just buy a whole new headset all together (one that comes with cups).  I've never installed a headset and really don't know what I need to purchase. 
Thanks again

[Carbon_Dude]

I have not heard of a Chiner carbon frame that did not have the bearing cups installed during manufacture/layup of the carbon frame.  You might want to check again, there should be a step in the frame on the top and bottom sides the headset bearing rests in.  Have you tried fitting the headset bearing in the frame?

[final forum]

I think what carbon dude is saying is. You shouldn't need anything. Put top bearing in. Basically drops in for me maybe a bit snug. Press the bottom one in. I did mine by hand. And then run fork thru. I think you will see how it goes together just doing it.!!

If you still have wobble. Could be the little washers or compression ring installed in wrong order!!. I never had any issues with my neco from peter. For my IP 256.

[MTB2223]

I needed two washers/shims between the lock ring and the top ring to get ri of the wobble. I could install my headset bearings without any pressure.

[carbonazza]

I installed a Cane Creek 40 headset, as I thought the provided Neco was not good enough.
In the end, it doesn't matter. The bottom bearing is totally rusted after 7 months.
So Neco was probably as good.

From what I remember, the headtube of my 256 looked bare carbon too.
But may be if you scratch a little the surface, you will see some aluminium.

It did put the bearing/cup assembly in the headtube.
And had to press a little, to place the bottom part of the headset.

[Akchugacher]

It is bare carbon, the bearings fit well in them but I'm concerned that they don't sit on metal.

[carbonazza]

Don't worry. 7 months of rough rides, and the carbon is still intact on mine.
I would like to say the same about the bearings, but no.
I replaced the CaneCreek bearings with the Neco's, and they fit well too.

[Akchugacher]

Wow thanks Carbanazza.  I will nervously proceed then.  Seems like a bad design though.  Do any other manufacturers put the bearings right on carbon?  It will eventually develop play down the road.  I'll keep everybody posted how it goes.  Thanks again

[Vipassana]

I finally noticed play in my headset for the first time ever last weekend.  Tightening the compression bolt and retightening the stem bolts fix it right up.  That means I've had 8+ months of aggressive riding with zero issues having the bearings sit on carbon in the head tube.

[Akchugacher]

The build went great, no issues.  Too much snow to ride it yet.  Thanks for the help all.

[SamSkjord]

Looks very clean! Enjoy

[Carbon_Dude]

Looks nice Akchugacher!