Headsets

Why We Make This: The simple answer is that many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frame’s headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, we needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames. From the beginning we understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. That’s a problem we know how to solve. Why You Want It: Enter, our patented GripLock™ bearing cap. The GripLock™ preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset. Our GripLock™ design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Our headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec. Compatible with Open, 3T, All City, Low, Cinelli, Lynskey, and more. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 42mm 45x45 upper bearing for 2.8-3.0mm bearing ream depth. - 52mm 45x45 lower bearing - Compatible with our included baseplate and 45 degree integrated crown races

The 40-Series is the workhorse of Cane Creek's headset line-up. Representing the balance of performance, durability and value, the series incorporates all the features necessary for a robust, lightweight, long-lasting headset. Zero stack uppers press into head tube with very little stack height. Lowers are either zero stack or external cup. - Sealed black oxide bearings - Carbon-friendy compression ring captured in top cover, keeping shims in place - Steel crown race with integrated seals - Interlok spacer compatible - Compatible with tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" steerer tubes, or straight 1-1/8" steerers with a conversion crown race (sold separately)

The Chris King GripNut Threaded Headset incorporates a threaded collet that firmly clamps the threads for better holding power and includes a ten-year warranty. - User-serviceable stainless steel cartridge bearings with full-contact seals - GripNut headset incorporates a threaded collet that firmly clamps the threads for better holding power - 10-year warranty - Requires installation tool adaptor

The Inset headset offers Chris King's trademark quality and durability in a low-stack configuration sized for contemporary headtube dimensions. King's legendary made-in-house bearings still form the centerpiece of the Inset headsets, with precisely machined aluminum cups and headset caps available in all ten classic Chris King colors. The Inset 2 is compatible with tapered 1-1/8 - 1-1/2-inch forks and frames using a 44/56mm headtube.

Got a threaded steerer without spacers or brake hangers? Chris King's GripNut Headset is the choice for you. Ideal for heavy touring and riding over rough terrain, the GripNut features an extra threaded collet that locks the steerer in place, offering incredible holding power and adjustability. It’s also a welcome solution for forks with damaged or undersized threads. The additional collet makes it easy to install a fork that's had its steerer tube cut too short.

Why We Make This The simple answer is that many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frame’s headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, we needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames. From the beginning we understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. That’s a problem we know how to solve. Why You Want It Enter, our patented GripLock™ bearing cap. The GripLock™ preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset. Our GripLock™ design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Our headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec. Compatible with Santa Cruz, Yeti, Alchemy, Santa Cruz Stigmata (without baseplate), Ibis Hakka MX, and more. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 41mm 45x45 upper bearing - 52mm 36x45 lower bearing - Compatible with the included baseplate and 36 degree integrated crown races

The 40-Series is the workhorse of Cane Creek's headset line-up. Representing the balance of performance, durability and value, the series incorporates all the features necessary for a robust, lightweight, long-lasting headset. Zero stack uppers press into head tube with very little stack height. Lowers are either zero stack or external cup. - Sealed black oxide bearings - Carbon-friendy compression ring captured in top cover, keeping shims in place - Steel crown race with integrated seals - Interlok spacer compatible - Compatible with tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" steerer tubes, or straight 1-1/8" steerers with a conversion crown race (sold separately)

FSA Standard Headset Bearings

The King GripNut Headset is designed for threaded steerer that don’t require a cable hanger or additional spacers. - Collet locking system stays securely adjusted - King made-in-house bearings - 10-year warranty

Chris King DropSet 3 Headset. - Crown Race: 30 - S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6 Threadless - Bearing Type: Cartridge - S.H.I.S Lower: IS52 - S.H.I.S Upper: IS41

Why We Make This Headtube and fork steerer standards have proliferated in recent years, but for a long, long time these variables were more fixed, so we made thousands upon thousands of NoThreadsets™ to serve bikes with unthreaded fork steerers. We made them in a variety of diameters, and everyone was happy in the land. We still make it, because it's still a great headset for all those bikes that are still rolling through the world with a headset that will never die. Why You Want It For decades our NoThreadSet™ set the standard for quality headset function delivering precision performance to numerous world champions, grand tour winners, and aspiring riders around the world. Every Chris King headset is built with our heat-treated bearings, and surgical-grade steel races machined simultaneously to ensure they are perfectly matched. As Chris King bearing tracks age and burnish, they actually get smoother, and all headsets are fully serviceable for years upon years of demanding riding. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) (1-1/8" only) - Available in 9 beautifully anodized colors in both bold and sotto voce marking options - Responsibly lightweight - Options to fit 1" and 1-1/8" straight steerer tubes - 1-1/8" available in Matte finish

The Inset headset offers Chris King's trademark quality and durability in a low-stack configuration sized for contemporary headtube dimensions. King's legendary, made-in-house bearings still form the centerpiece of the Inset headsets, with precisely machined aluminum cups and headset caps available in all ten classic Chris King colors. The Inset 8 is compatible with tapered 1-1/8 - 1-1/4-inch forks and frames using a 44mm headtube.

FSA Standard Headset Bearings

Wolf Tooth Performance Headsets are machined out of aircraft grade aluminum and assembled with Black Oxide Cartridge Bearings, balancing quality and price. - Black Oxide Bearings are made from chromium steel for high load capacity and durability - Black oxide coating reduces corrosion

Why We Make This Headtube and fork steerer standards have proliferated in recent years, but for a long, long time these variables were more fixed, so we made thousands upon thousands of NoThreadsets™ to serve bikes with unthreaded fork steerers. We made them in a variety of diameters, and everyone was happy in the land. We still make it, because it's still a great headset for all those bikes that are still rolling through the world with a headset that will never die. Why You Want It For decades our NoThreadSet™ set the standard for quality headset function delivering precision performance to numerous world champions, grand tour winners, and aspiring riders around the world. Every Chris King headset is built with our heat-treated bearings, and surgical-grade steel races machined simultaneously to ensure they are perfectly matched. As Chris King bearing tracks age and burnish, they actually get smoother, and all headsets are fully serviceable for years upon years of demanding riding. - Engineered, manufactured, and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) (1-1/8" only) - Available in 9 beautifully anodized colors in both bold and sotto voce marking options - Responsibly lightweight - Options to fit 1" and 1-1/8" straight steerer tubes - 1-1/8" available in Matte finish

The Inset headset offers Chris King's trademark quality and durability in a low-stack configuration sized for contemporary headtube dimensions. King's legendary, made-in-house bearings still form the centerpiece of the Inset headsets, with precisely machined aluminum cups and headset caps available in all ten classic Chris King colors. The Inset 7 is compatible with tapered 1-1/8 - 1-1/2-inch forks and frames using a 44mm headtube.

Why We Make This The simple answer is that many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frame's headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, we needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames. From the beginning we understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. That's a problem we know how to solve. Why You Want It Enter, our patented GripLock™ bearing cap. The GripLock™ preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset. Our GripLock™ design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Our headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec. Compatible with many Specialized mountain bike frames, see headtube specifications here. Not compatible with the 21'-22' Stumpjumper EVO. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 42mm 45x45 upper bearing for 6.85-7.05mm bearing ream depth. - 52mm 45x45 lower bearing - Compatible with our included baseplate and 45 degree integrated crown races

FSA bearings that set directly into the frame without the use of pressed in cups. - 36/45 degrees is Cane Creek-compatible - 45/45 degrees is Campagnolo-compatible

-Zero stack headset for XTC models

Chris King led the threadless headset revolution with their NoThreadSet. This iconic, incredibly durable piece of equipment embodies the limitless potential found in simple, high-quality design. Equally appropriate on your road or mountain bike, the NoThreadSet has been ridden to World Cup titles on the trail and to victory at the Tour de France. Featuring precision-machined aluminum cups, King's own made-in-house stainless steel bearings, a stainless steel base plate, and all ten Chris King colors, each headset is a statement piece that will likely outlast your bike! The Sotto Voce models feature stealthy, toned down graphics that let you show your Chris King pride in a more subtle manner.

Why We Make This Contemporary bicycle frame designs are incorporating larger diameter headtubes and forks with tapered-steerers to improve the bike's front end stiffness, and as a result handling accuracy. This move has made particular sense for off-road bikes. We evolved the form and function of our legendary NoThreadset to address the variety of tapered steerers and headtubes on the market today. Why You Want It Every Chris King headset is built with our heat-treated bearings, and surgical-grade steel races machined simultaneously to ensure they are perfectly matched. As Chris King bearing tracks age and burnish, they actually get smoother, and all headsets are fully serviceable for years upon years of demanding riding. The Chris King InSet™ 7 combines seamless design and legendary quality in a 44mm headset with an external lower cup that is a precision headset option for your 1.5” tapered steerer fork. Our InSet™ 7 is equipped with our exclusive built-in-house bearings and our patented GripLock® system for precise fit and function. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - Responsibly lightweight - Designed specifically for a 44mm straight headtube and a 1-1/8” to 1.5” tapered steerer tube

-Overdrive tapered MTB headset (2009-2016)

These baseplates are the foundation that keeps Chris King headsets turning with legendary smoothness. Manufactured from high-quality stainless steel or titanium, Chris King makes replacement baseplates for all standard sizes and a number of ingenious solutions for those that need something a little special to make their headset work. - Engineered and manufactured in Portland, Oregon USA - Devolution baseplates are a stainless steel solution that allow Chris King headsets to adapt to a wide variety of steerer tube sizes - 30.0mm for 1.5 lower bearing and 1 1/8" steerer

Genuine replacement parts Keep your bike operating as it should. - Fits 1" threaded steerers for use with 1-1/8" headtubes - Cage ball bearings

We started making headsets in 1976 and have been refining them ever since. Our DropSet™ 4 is built to be precise and dependable and sets the standard for quality integrated headset function delivering precision performance that is built on the same pedigree of Chris King headsets from the past 40 years. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 42mm 45x45 upper and lower bearing - Compatible with our included baseplate and 45 degree integrated crown races