Need a headset
03-17-21, 07:46 PM
#1
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Need a headset
I bought a new frame and fork, and need to get a headset. When I have bought new forks before I always let the shop order one and I left it at that. From the bikes co. site it says “Traditional 1 1/8th chromoly head tube, for a standard 1 1/8th headset,”. I know I need 1 1/8 with external bearings, but will any headset work?
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03-17-21, 09:11 PM
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No, not all 1-1/8" headset will work, you need a headset with these specs: EC34/28.6/EC34/30. This is the most common type of 1-1/8" headset but there are others that have larger cup diameters and both EC (external cup) and ZS (zero stack) style press-in cups.
Cane Creek 40 Series, Velo Orange Gran Cru and others offer your required headset configuration at reasonable cost. Chris King and the Cane Creek 110 series are also available and very good but at much higher cost.
I recently made the mistake of thinking all 1-1/8" headsets were the same and ordered a headset having the specs I posted above. It turns out my new frame needed a ZS44/28.6/EC44/30 format so I now own a new "standard" 1-1/8" headset that sits in my parts box waiting for one of my older bikes to need it.
Cane Creek 40 Series, Velo Orange Gran Cru and others offer your required headset configuration at reasonable cost. Chris King and the Cane Creek 110 series are also available and very good but at much higher cost.
I recently made the mistake of thinking all 1-1/8" headsets were the same and ordered a headset having the specs I posted above. It turns out my new frame needed a ZS44/28.6/EC44/30 format so I now own a new "standard" 1-1/8" headset that sits in my parts box waiting for one of my older bikes to need it.
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03-18-21, 02:55 AM
#3
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What @HillRider said. The Cane Creek 40 series are very good, at a decent price, and pretty easy to install. If you want to spend money for top of the line, probably the Chris King.
03-18-21, 06:53 AM
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FWIW, I've got this headset for sale locally ($10 + shipping). Let me know if you're interested (it's new).
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03-18-21, 11:54 AM
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Cane Creek is my go to for headsets generally 110 but have some 40s that are fine (but wouldn't go below that) The only time I have strayed from CC is when I am looking at vintage stuff or 3DV then it has been Chris King beyond that White Industries and Phil Wood make excellent headsets as well in the U.S. and if you like understated Phil is the way to go.
03-18-21, 01:04 PM
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Couple of questions, are threadless headset stack heights of any importance in the selection?
I’ve never considered it to be, but with carbon steerers and limited spacer height, would a taller stack help if someone wanted a longer steerer?
John
I’ve never considered it to be, but with carbon steerers and limited spacer height, would a taller stack help if someone wanted a longer steerer?
John
03-18-21, 04:15 PM
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BTW, the maximum spacer stack allowed under a 1-1/8" carbon steerer varies a bit by fork manufacturer but is usually 40 to 50mm. For a 1" carbon steerer I've seen a 25 mm maximum spacer stack specified.
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