which headset ?

right, the headset on my pitch is fecked and I need a new one but this is new territory for me - there's loads of different ones at all sorts of prices, whats to be recommended ? whats the easiest to fit myself without special tools ?, etc etc. Thanks

a roundy one, Mick !

Here any chance you might stay off here with your sexy carbone felts, you'll have me coveting another than my giant.

According to the Specialized website the Pitch has..

1 1/8" threadless, black steel cups, loose ball bearings w/ seals

So it looks like any standard 1 1/8" headset will work.. not integrated.. not semi-integrated.. just a normal standard headset..

As far as getting a new one.. I'd just buy the cheapest one that works.. I wouldn't waste my money on a fancy Chris King or the likes.. they are for gullible fools who have more money that sense... They all do the same thing.. once set up and fitted properly it doesn't matter if its a Chris King or a Ying Yang special...

As for tools... If you don't want to or don't have proper tools you can always do it Ralfie style.. Use a hammer and screwdriver to drive out the old cups and a piece of wood to hammer the sh!te out of the new headset into your frame... The possibility of damaging the frame or headset is quite high though but it will be cheap... You will also need to pry off your old head-race...

Personally I'd recommend using a proper headset press, headcup remover, crown race remover and installer for the job...

Thanks Gerry, think I'll get one of those roundy ones so but I might be back to you for some installation assistance !

Rudolf has a neat headset with some manner of grease port, so no taking apart to lube, I think, he was describing it to me on the grassy descent.