Headset Decisions

[newman_diver]

Good Day,

I've been researching headsets for my DT build and have narrowed it down to the Chris King 1.5 nothreadset and the Cane Creek 110.OneFive.

I've read posts and reviews on the Chris King and most are good but a common thread keeps reappearing, saying that the technology is outdated and not suited for todays riding. The same people are saying the Cane Creek is a much better headset.

If anyone out there is using either of these headsets, expecially on a DT, I would appreciate your feedback.

Tyler
Sooke, BC

[Dave K]

I would avoid chris king headsets for long travel forks. I find that the o-ring that they use to center the top bearing cap is poorly designed. If your steerer tube is slightly undersized, then the o-ring in unable to take up the extra space. The result is a headset that always feels loose. Worse is that this slight movement will cause the o-ring to wear a groove into your steerer tube (not good at all). Chris King's solution for such a problem is that your steerer tube diameter is too small and that you need to replace it. My solution is to replace the top cap with a modified FSA (dremel tool and files) top cap or to replace then entire upper bearing (cup and all) with something better designed.

Most other headsets (like the cane creek) use a wedge ring to center the top bearing cap. This design allows the headset to accomodate slightly smaller steerers (it also makes installation easier). I would strongly recommend the Cane Creek over the Chris King.

[Timmigrant]

Originally Posted by Dave K

I would avoid chris king headsets for long travel forks. I find that the o-ring that they use to center the top bearing cap is poorly designed. If your steerer tube is slightly undersized, then the o-ring in unable to take up the extra space. The result is a headset that always feels loose. Worse is that this slight movement will cause the o-ring to wear a groove into your steerer tube (not good at all). Chris King's solution for such a problem is that your steerer tube diameter is too small and that you need to replace it. My solution is to replace the top cap with a modified FSA (dremel tool and files) top cap or to replace then entire upper bearing (cup and all) with something better designed.

Most other headsets (like the cane creek) use a wedge ring to center the top bearing cap. This design allows the headset to accomodate slightly smaller steerers (it also makes installation easier). I would strongly recommend the Cane Creek over the Chris King.

What Dave said. I've had nothing but problems with Chris King headsets with longer travel forks.

[IFO]

im a huge fan of FSA Pig headsets...

sure they aint gucci but they are cheap, do the job and last forever...

personaly i think the CK headset is overrated and WAY overpriced...

for what its worth i've had the 1.5 FSA bigfatPig in my STD for several years now and it aint given me a secs greif since i installed it..

[C.Lee]

i prefer FSA pig dh pro myself cheap and reliable

[ReductiMat]

I've been running my CC 110 on my 951 since sometime in September. Only four months, but there were a lot of full days in Whistler in there, and I've been doing the shore non-stop since.

All has been as it should thus far.

And yes, the 110 has helped me score many a fine woman. All you need to do is ride up and down Robson a few times and they'll be flocking to you in no time.

[nick]

I'm on my second king and it work very well (fox 36 fork). My first one lasted over 10 years before my bike got stolen, with only once a year grease repack(4 frames/5 forks). I bet it's still working fine. The only time I had problems with the king is on a double crown fork. I must admit that's the only time I wish I didn't have it and had a headset with a compression ring.

[Dantes Inferno]

Is it a reducer or straight 1.5?

[L. Ron Hubbard]

Here's another vote against King, and another vote for Cane Creek.

[newman_diver]

Thanks for the input all. Much appreciated.

Posted via Mobile Device

[Bryce]

for what its worth, the last Cane Creek 1.5 reducer headset I had creaked like a bastard. Not sure if they've improved this



Pig DH is OK but heavy. I've had good luck with FSA Orbits in 1-1/8 and 1.5

[FullMonty]

I have an orbit xtreme 1.5. works well, doesn't loosen off, but the lower bearing was pretty crunchy after 7-8 months. granted it was over winter, and you couldn't feel it through the bars, just with the fork out, but still a little disappointing. anyway, stuck a pair of enduro MAX bearings in and it'll keep on rocking.