Bike Headset Guide
Without it, you won’t be going anywhere. Yes, a bike headset is an often-overlooked but, oh, so important bike part. Of course, there are several types of bicycle headsets available, so in order to assist you in making the best purchase possible, we’ve put together this headset buying guide with some detailed, helpful information.
Threaded vs. threadless headsets
For many years, threaded headsets were the only type available. They require the fork’s steerer tube to be cut to an exact measurement for use with a specific frame. The use of a threadless headset allows for greater adjustability and fine tuning in order to achieve the perfect fit. For this reason, threadless headsets have become the norm in recent years.
Headset stack height
The stack height is how much the headset will extend above and below the frame’s head tube. This is important because the headset will take up space on your steerer tube, affecting the space you have left for the stem. If your steerer tube is cut short and you aren’t planning on getting a new fork, pay special attention to the new headset’s stack height and make sure you don’t get something too tall. If your current steerer tube is cut long, stack height won’t matter as much, and you can use Headset Spacers above or below a stem to give the headset/stem/fork assembly a nice fit with just the right handlebar height (and no additional cutting).
If you’re installing a new fork, the use of a threadless headset allows the steerer tube to be cut to a length that will fit several different frame sizes. With that said, the old adage of “measure twice, cut once” is still a great rule of thumb when cutting steerer tubes to fit frame/headset combinations. When cutting a steerer tube, it’s a good idea to leave a little extra just in case you decide to use the fork on a different frame or swap out the stem for something that is a little taller.
Headset bearings
How do you ride? Are you a recreational road cyclist that enjoys getting out to ride for a casual 20 miles or are you more of a free rider who is always on the lookout for the biggest drops?
A bike headset with caged bearings works just fine for the weekend warrior or the cyclist that gets out a couple of times a month. If you’re a serious, daily rider, a headset with sealed cartridge bearings will offer greater longevity and better performance. Aggressive road riding requires predictable steering, and a high-grade Cartridge Bearing provides just that.
For most, Stainless Steel bearings are perfect. For racers and really hardcore enthusiasts, ceramic bearings are the way to go. They spin faster and smoother, giving you more responsive steering.
Headset Diameter
The diameter of your steerer tube and head tube will dictate the size of the headset. You will find headsets in four different diameters:
- 1-1/8-inch (most common)
- 1- inch (typically older frames and forks)
- 1.5 inches (downhill bikes)
- Conical (1-1/8 top cup / 1.5 bottom)
Most current frames and forks (which are almost always threadless) require a 1-1/8-inch headset. 1-inch headsets are usually threaded to match their older counterparts, but there are quite a few in the threadless configuration as well. Conical headsets are for a tapered headtube. This type of configuration allows weight savings with increased stiffness. The technology of a conical headset was launched in 2009, so only the latest frames will offer this as an option.
Headset configuration
Internal: This type of threadless headset has cups that fit into an oversized head tube. Head tube sizes for these range from 44mm to 45mm inner diameter. When the cups are pressed into the head tube, the bearings sit inside the head tube, creating a lower stack height.
Integrated: This type of headset is used when the bearing cups have been bonded into the frame. Bonding the headset cups into the frame has become common practice for larger frame manufacturers that deal primarily with carbon fiber. Using an integrated headset allows a headset to be installed without the use of expensive tools that are only found at bike shops.
Standard: This is the most common type of threadless headset used with standard headtubes. The cups are pressed into the frame while the bulk of the headset sits outside the tube. Cup stack height is an important factor to consider, as a higher stack height could raise the riding position.
Cost
Really good headsets can cost upwards of $300. You’re paying for high-tech, lightweight materials like carbon or titanium, along with sealed ceramic bearings and quality finishes. In many instances, you’re also paying for the brand, but that’s not a bad thing. For many cyclists, it’s worth it; certain brands are well-known for their high-quality engineering and performance.
For those interested in something more affordable, a headset in the $50-$150 area will still provide more than enough performance. Most good brands offer headsets in this range, and you can find plenty that are durable and lightweight. And if you don’t ride too often, you could find others for less that will hold up for years under lighter use.
Headset installation
Improper installation of a headset can damage the headtube and the headset itself. There are tools that allow you to insert the headset without having to pound it into the frame with a hammer or wrench. Most people won’t install too many headsets, though, and probably don’t need to spend the money on such a tool. So to help you avoid damaging your new part, we recommend that you have your headset installed by a professional bike mechanic. A bike headset that has been installed and maintained properly should last through many years of riding.
If you need a new headset or bike parts, don’t forget to check out Bike Wagon!
About the Author
Jon Carter enjoys biking and everything to do with it, including the outdoors. Check out Bike Wagon for all your biking needs.
Threadless Headset Assembly
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TOKEN TK121 ALLOY 1-1/8″ THREADLESS HEADSET BLUE $29.99 |
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Aluminum alloy cartridge bearing BMX headset 1 1/8″ threadless BLACK ANODIZED $29.99 |
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FSA Orbit Xtreme MTB Bike Threadless 1 1/8″ Headset NEW $24.97 |
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Alloy Threadless 1 1/8 Headset Caps / Fuel Orange $3.96 |
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Freestyle Alloy Threadless Headset Cap / Black $3.96 |
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Alloy Threadless 1 1/8 Headset Caps / Pelli Root Beer $3.96 |
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YST Headset 1 1/8 Threadless Replacement Top / Silver $3.16 |
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Alloy Threadless 1 1/8 Headset Caps/ Deadhead Root Beer $3.96 |
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Freestyle Alloy Threadless Headset Cap / Rasta $3.96 |
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Dia Compe Aheadset 1 1/4 Threadless Headset Cover $1.56 |
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Freestyle Alloy Threadless Headset Cap / Ocean Blue $3.96 |
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FSA ORBIT MX Traditional Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ White $39.99 |
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FSA ORBIT MX Traditional Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Ti/Gray $39.99 |
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FSA ORBIT MX Traditional Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Green $39.99 |
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FSA ORBIT MX Traditional Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Blue $39.99 |
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FSA ORBIT MX Traditional Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Black $39.99 |
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Scooter Headset threadless-PURPLE,GOLD,GREEN,RED,BLACK colours $18.80 |
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PARK TOOL Headset Threadless Nut Setter TNS-1 1 & 1/8 $24.95 |
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New FOCUSTEK Alloy 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset, Black $24.96 |
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FSA Orbit Xtreme MTB Bike Threadless 1 1/8″ Headset NEW $24.97 |
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TOKEN Threadless Headset 28.6MM 1-1/8′ RED $19.99 |
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Campagnolo Record Hiddenset TT 1-1/8 Threadless Headset $175.00 |
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Cane Creek 40 Series Bottom 1.5″ Threadless 49mm Blk $38.70 |
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USED, Ritchey Logic 1 inch headset, threadless 1″ including top cap and star nut $9.99 |
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USED Campagnolo 1 1/8 inch integrated headset threadless 1.125″ Italian standard $9.99 |
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MOUNTAIN BMX ROAD BIKE 1 1″ Threadless headset head set $19.99 |
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Chris King Inset I4 Bicycle Bike Internal Headset – Navy – 1-1/8″ – Threadless $109.99 |
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Token 1″ Threadless Headset -gold- $37.00 |
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HARDCORE PRO SCOOTER SEALED BEARING THREADLESS HEADSET IN PURPLE BLUE BLACK $21.94 |
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M:Part Sport Threadless Bicycle A Headset 1” Inch Black $19.99 |
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M:Part Pro Threadless Bicycle A Headset 1-1/8” Inch Black $41.99 |
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M:Part Sport Threadless Bicycle A Headset 1-1/8” Inch Black $19.99 |
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M:Part Comp Threadless Bicycle A Headset 1-1/8” Inch Black $29.99 |
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FSA Orbit DL Headset, 1-1/8″ Standard Threadless, 104g $26.09 |
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Shimano PRO FR-11 Threadless Cartridge Freeride Bicycle Headset Size 1 1/8in $45.00 |
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BICYCLE QUILL STEM STEERING TUBE EXTENDER ADAPTOR 1 1/8 THREADED TO THREADLESS $0.99 |
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new Cane creek S-3/S-8 threadless headset,aheadset,us $49.00 |
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NEW CAMPAGNOLO RECORD CARBON FIBER PLUG 1 1/8″ HIDDEN THREADLESS HEADSET $150.00 |
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Chris King NoThreadSet Headset // 1 1/2″ Mountain Bike 1.5 Threadless Downhill $69.99 |
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Campagnolo Record Hiddenset TTC (Tall Top Cap) 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset Black $160.65 |
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New! Cane Creek 110 Classic Threadless Bicycle Headset 1 1/8″ $49.99 |
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M:Part Sport threadless headset 1-1/8 inch black $18.79 |
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FSA Orbit Xtreme Black 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset $42.93 |
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Ritchey Headset Press Fit WCS Z Cup Black 1 1/8″ Threadless Zero Stack 80g $40.00 |
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New Sunlite 1″ Threadless BMX Road Mountain Headset Black BE3534012 $14.89 |
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New Sunlite 1 1/8 Threadless BMX Road Mountain Headset Black BE3531212 $14.89 |
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FSA ORBIT X – CF Threadless Bike Headset Carbon Fiber 1 1/8″ 121-0010 NEW $26.97 |
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New In Box Campagnolo Record 1 1/8 Threadless Headset $30.00 |
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CANE CREEK 110 classic 1 1/8 threadless bike bicycle headset $140 EXCELLENT! $34.99 |
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NEW ORIGIN 8 ‘HOLE SHOT’ FORGED ALLOY 25.4 MM STEM FOR THREADLESS HEAD SETS $27.95 |
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NEW PYRAMID ADJUSTABLE 28.6 BICYCLE STEM FOR THREADLESS HEADSETS $29.95 |
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FSA THE PIG HEADSET 1-1/8 THREADLESS MOUNTAIN BIKE NEW $10.87 |
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Pulsion Pro Bicycle Headset 1 1/8″ Threadless Black Ano $41.98 |
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Chris King NoThread Set Bike HeadSet Multicolor Reggae 1 1/8″ Threadless 123g $86.95 |
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Black Chris King NoThread Set Bike HeadSet 1 1/8″ Threadless 117g #1 $94.95 |
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Black Chris King NoThread Set Bike HeadSet 1 1/8″ Threadless 116g #2 $102.95 |
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New KCNC KUDOS-Q1 Alloy 1-1/8” Threadless Headset, Black $39.80 |
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New TOKEN TK116A Alloy 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset, Blue $39.96 |
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Cane Creek S2 1 1/8″ Threadless Headset, Sealed Bearings $0.99 |
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FSA Sealed Bearing Bike HeadSet 1 1/8″ Threadless, 106g $32.95 |
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BLACK AHEADSET THREADLESS 1-1/8 ” BY CANE CREEK, NEW $16.99 |
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Cane Creek 40 Series External Cup Conversion Headset Bottom 1-1/8″ Threadless 49 $33.28 |
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FSA Orbit ZS 1-1/8″ Internal threadless headset, Black (Cane Creek Compatible) ( $59.85 |
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1 INCH THREADLESS HEADSET $1.00 |
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MORTOP ALLOY ROAD MTB BIKE THREADLESS HEADSET HS-65 GOLD $39.99 |
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1 1/8″ Threadless Headset Fork Steerer Star Fangled Nut NEW $1.00 |
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Threadless Headset Star Fangled Nut 1″ Steerer Fork (Aluminum Cromoly) New $1.00 |
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FSA Headset Orbit C-40 1-1/8-1.5 Threadless Top Cap $34.99 |
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BLACK AHEADSET THREADLESS 1-1/8 ” HEADSET, MODEL VP-A51A, NEW IN BOX $19.99 |
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Token TK116TBT Ceramic Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ White $94.55 |
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GUB Pro Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ $34.19 |
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KLS Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing White $24.99 |
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Alloy Drop In Integrated Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ 41mm Green Road Bike New $24.99 |
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Alloy Drop In Integrated Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ 42mm Blue Road Bike New $24.99 |
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Alloy Drop In Integrated Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ 41mm Blue Road Bike New $24.99 |
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ONE Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing White $24.99 |
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KLS Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing Black $24.99 |
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Dorcus Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing Red $24.99 |
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Dorcus Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing Blue $24.99 |
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Bronco Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing Black $24.99 |
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ONE Press Fit Internal Threadless Headset 1-1/8″ Loose Ball Bearing Blue $24.99 |
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Campagnolo Headset Seal 1″ 97-02 Record/Chorus threaded and threadless $9.90 |
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NEW PRO MT-11 Threadless Headset 1 1/8″ $9.99 |
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FSA Threadless Headset Stem Top Cap, aluminum $8.64 |
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1″ FSA Orbit X threadless headset & Thompson 1-1/8″ stem clamp adapter $30.00 |
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FSA ORBIT DL MTB HEADSET 1-1/8 STANDARD THREADLESS NEW $14.87 |
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Cane Creek 110 ZS Short 1-1/8″ Threadless 44mm Blue ZS44/28.6|ZS44/30 Headset $122.40 |
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Cane Creek 110 IS Short 1-1/8″ Threadless 41mm Red Headset $102.51 |
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Cane Creek 110 IS Short 1-1/8″ Threadless 41mm Black Headset $102.51 |
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Cane Creek 110 ZS Short 1-1/8″ Threadless 44mm Red Headset $122.40 |
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Cane Creek 110 IS Tall 1-1/8″ Threadless 41mm Blue Headset $102.51 |
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Cane Creek 110 External Cup 1.5″ Threadless 49mm Red EC49/38.1|EC49/40 Headset $153.00 |
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Campagnolo Record Hiddenset 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset Black $130.05 |
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Cane Creek 110 IS Tall 1-1/8″ Threadless 41mm Black Headset $102.51 |
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Cane Creek 110 External Cup 1-1/8″ Threadless 34mm Blue Headset $122.40 |
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Ritchey Logic 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset, Black/Silver $25.57 |
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FSA Orbit UF 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset, Black $34.43 |
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Cane Creek 110 IS Tall 1-1/8″ Threadless 41mm Red Headset $102.51 |
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Cane Creek 110 External Cup 1.5″ Threadless 49mm Silver Headset $153.00 |
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FSA Orbit Xtreme Pro 1-1/8″ Threadless Headset, Black $99.45 |
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Envy Battle Sealed Headset Black $33.24 Made from forged 6061 aluminum. Super strong sealed bearing headset! This heasdset also has tricks printed on the side so you can spin the bars and play a game of SCOOT with your friends. Available in Black, Purple, Blue, Red and Green Theadless 1-1/8″ ***If you buy a headset with a deck, we will install the cups for FREE, just let us know when ordering! email your request to ecx @ comcast . net… |
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hope threadless headset one size M2BMQHMTALLNE6ET8CSO… |
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Fuzion Z250 Pro Scooter $129.99 The new Fuzion Z250 is ultra-lightweight and all-around reinforced – designed for speed, strength and smooth trick performance. From the chromoly handlebar, single-piece aluminum deck, sealed headset bearings and threadless forks right down to the quality metal core wheels, you can count on this model to deliver. The Z Series is the latest pro scooter upgrade by Fuzion. Ride it complete – it’s dia… |
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Scorpo Threadless Headset Purple $34.95 The Scorpo Sealed Bearing Threadless Headset comes with: - Light weight alloy cups and top race help keep the weight down. - Fully sealed cartridge bearings ensure smooth running. - Steel crown race. - Includes Top cap, star nut and bolt…. |
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WTB Momentum Comp ST Threadless Headset $29.95 Replace your clapped-out headset with a smooth-spinning WTB Comp ST Threadless unit. Stainless-steel races resist wear, while the aluminum cups keep weight at a minimum. Perfect for all cycling applications, the WTB Momentum Comp ST Headset will keep your sanity-saver rolling smoothly.Product FeaturesMaterial: Steel, aluminumSize: 1-1/8 inWeight: 130gRecommended Use: CyclingManufacturer Warranty:… |
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Cane Creek 10-Series External Cup Complete for 34mm Head-Tube (1-1/8-Inch Straight Steerer), Black $42.00 Cane Creek 10 Series HeadsetsReplaces Cane Creek S-1 headsetExternal Cup (EC) assemblies feature press-in cups with bearings outside the frameEC49/38.1|EC49/40 fits 1.5″ straight steerer tubes to straight 49mm (1.5″) head tubesLightweight polymer compression ringExternal Cup (EC) assemblies feature press-in cups with bearings outside the frameInterlok spacer compatibleInternal parts are cross-comp… |
