Headset Help

[joejoe]

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a headset for my bike. I have a Van Nicholas Euros frame, which utilizes a traditional 11/8” head set. Can anyone recommend such a headset (link?) that is good value?



frame details here: http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/5902/prod...ad-frame-2012-with-free-fork-and-headset.aspx


Cheers,

Joe

 

[dsut4392]

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a headset for my bike. I have a Van Nicholas Euros frame, which utilizes a traditional 11/8” head set. Can anyone recommend such a headset (link?) that is good value?



frame details here: http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/5902/prod...ad-frame-2012-with-free-fork-and-headset.aspx


Cheers,

Joe

Unless you're after 'bling', then the cheapest possible headset will likely provide the best value. Spending more may buy you better aesthetics, lighter weight, better quality bearings and better weather sealing, BUT [IMO] none of these actually affect performance very much. They might feel smoother for longer, but they won't help you ride any faster or further or corner better.

I've had one of these on my hardtail MTB since 2003:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/headsets-headsets-cane-creek-s2-headset/canehstr200

The original bearings feel a little gritty nowadays, but then it has been abused by full submersion in muddy water, washing with a pressure washer etc. Treat it more kindly and it should reciprocate.

This one on the very site you linked your bike frame from is even cheaper and besides looking ugly is probably perfectly good:
http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/1490/products/m-part-sport-threadless-headset-1-inch-and-1-1-8-inch.aspx

 

[richwagmn]

Is there any other besides a Chris King? It'll probably outlast your bike.

https://chrisking.com/headsets

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a headset for my bike. I have a Van Nicholas Euros frame, which utilizes a traditional 11/8” head set. Can anyone recommend such a headset (link?) that is good value?



frame details here: http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/5902/prod...ad-frame-2012-with-free-fork-and-headset.aspx


Cheers,

Joe

A headset holds the fork on and allows for smooth rotation of the fork for about 15-20 degrees in normal use. Any headset, installed on a prepped frame and maintained well, will last a long time.

Origin 8, CaneCreek, Chris King(ooooo colors), Ritchey........

 

[King Boonen]

Hope, as good as Chris King but cheaper.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Unless you're after 'bling', then the cheapest possible headset will likely provide the best value. ....

Best answer to the question.

 

[stutue]

+1 to the above and the answer it refers to.

If you had to choose a bike part where spending more money gives least advantage the headset would win.

Headsets have bearings but there is so little use of them their quality is almost irrelevant.

A £10 headset will work as well as a £100 one. When the bearings go, just change the whole unit.