Press in?

[dirttank75]

I'm a little new at this so thanks for your help. I just bought a new mtb frame that requires a press in style headset. Is this the same as a threadless headset? Any suggestions for an affordable, quality headset?

[xerxes]

There are three main types of headset, threaded, threadless (or A-headset) and integrated and there are several sizes of each. Threadless and integrated headsets, which are similar in principle, don't need to be pressed in. With threaded headsets, the cups at the top and bottom of the steering tube should be pressed into the frame with a special headset press tool.

You can make a press with a length of threaded bar, some nuts and some suitably large washers. At a pinch you can tap the cups in with a hammer while holding a piece of scrap wood over the cups to protect them, I've done this a few times and haven't had any problems, although I probably wouldn't do it with an expensive bike or headset.

Shelodon probably has all the info you'll need: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html

[trevgbb]

Your frame supplier should be able to tell you the sizes and type of all components you need to finish your assembly.