I am starting to gather parts for my Dillinger build and I need a headset. Is it worth it to spend the money for a Chris King? If so, why?
Headset question
- Thread starter Potroast88
- Start date
In my humble opinion - no. But that's just my two cents. Go for a nice quality FSA or Cane Creek and I'd think you'd be fine. I've also heard good things about the Sunline headsets.
I love my king headsets. but i've been taking them from bike to bike. or just want to install it and forget about.
but as MMcG said, you don't REALLY need one. plus i've also keep hearing good things about the sunline range of headsets. but hard to beat the price on a CaneCreek S3 headset for what you get.
but as MMcG said, you don't REALLY need one. plus i've also keep hearing good things about the sunline range of headsets. but hard to beat the price on a CaneCreek S3 headset for what you get.
I've been buying bike parts for the last 11-12 years. During that time I've had numerous frames but only two headsets. Yes, two king hs have lasted through 6+ frames. My first king is currently being ridden daily by my friend's father and is still running smooth and is 10+ years old.
These hs feel great as no other hs feels like a king. I don't care if dude is a prick or if his **** is overpriced. It works and you don't have to worry about it. I'll gladly pay 150 for a bike part that with minimal overhead that I don't have to worrry about b/c it just works.
These hs feel great as no other hs feels like a king. I don't care if dude is a prick or if his **** is overpriced. It works and you don't have to worry about it. I'll gladly pay 150 for a bike part that with minimal overhead that I don't have to worrry about b/c it just works.
Also, think about how you are as a cyclist. Will you buy this headset for your next 3 frames? Do you ride a **** ton? Do you beat on your bike parts? If yes, go with the king. If your like MMcG, no offense, and can't keep a bike part for longer than a week get some cheap cane creek.
DHS has a good point about the S3 from Cane Creek. I'd steer clear of the S2 or lower models though. But S3, S3=5, S6, S8, Solos etc. seem to offer great bang for the buck.
He'll I've been happy with the FSA Pig DH Pros I've used on a couple of frames as well. And I've had a few different FSA orbit series headsets and they've all worked fine too.
Now if you want to add some type of color then your choices dwindle down a bit.
I was thinking about the S3, but I have an FSA Pig DH Pro laying around, too. I don't care about color, black is fine with me.
I put a Pig DH Pro on my Retrotec to get some fork clearance (WB 100), and I've no complaints. Not a hint of binding, and strong like bull. I own a couple CK's but the fleet's too big to fit every bike with a $100 headset.
- Joe
- Joe
Good point. ON some frames lower cups that have bigger stack height are actually a PLUS for 29ers. The Dillinger is designed to allow for ample fork crown/downtube clearance.
I was just using it as an example of an inexpensive headset that works well. The bang for the buck argument if you will.
I have a pair of King headsets that have been through many a frame as well, but that still doesn't mean I'd necessarily throw down the cash for a new one. There are other cartridge headsets that will do you just fine, I'd vote for spending the money elsewhere on the bike where you will really feel the difference when you're riding...i.e. wheels.
Buy a used Chris King. Service it and install it properly per the directions.
http://chrisking.com/tech/tech_headsets.html
Use it on several frames.
Repeat.
http://chrisking.com/tech/tech_headsets.html
Use it on several frames.
Repeat.
I like my Hope HS, but its about the same cost as a king.
Love King headsets. I have 2 back up aluminum ones and a titanium on my ride now. Been running them for over 3 years solid never a problem. I did have a race that I messed up trying to service, I sent it to king and they replaced the whole thing. I will never buy another HS. King has been 10+, A+, 2 's and has great CS.
's and has great CS.
I wouldn't stick a King in say....a Monocog, but I've seen that done! I think you put a King in a bike that is worth putting other nice parts on. Or as others have said, you want to install the headset and forget about it.
I haven't heard of these Sunline headsets. Got a link?
Also, another fine headset that not too many folks know about seemingly are the German made Acros. (Do a google search to find retailers carrying them) They are a "king" quality and price. Come in colors, and also have a ten year warranty. Something different from your normally seen stuff.
I've seen them and handled them. Very nicely made and also available with ceramic ball bearings if you are into such things.
They also do other stuff that U.S. distributors haven't picked up on yet, but are pretty high end and cool.
I haven't heard of these Sunline headsets. Got a link?
Also, another fine headset that not too many folks know about seemingly are the German made Acros. (Do a google search to find retailers carrying them) They are a "king" quality and price. Come in colors, and also have a ten year warranty. Something different from your normally seen stuff.
I've seen them and handled them. Very nicely made and also available with ceramic ball bearings if you are into such things.
They also do other stuff that U.S. distributors haven't picked up on yet, but are pretty high end and cool.
Sunline is a subsidiary of 661 I think it is. Mainly FR and DH oriented products methinks. I've seen them available at www.Greenfishsports and a few other online retailers but never sought their own website out.
Thanks! I Googled it last night and came up with the Greenfish site. Kinda like Acros. They prefer to deal through their distribution network, (J&B Importers) than go consumer direct.
That said I just stuck a brand new King headset in my Badger last night......by hand! No head set press necessary!
No, I'm not some super-human mrchanic! I just lightly greased the cups and set them on the head tube. They felt as if they would go in with a quick hit with the palm of my hand and they did. I used the same technique on my Inbred oddly enough. That was one of the original pink headsets. Strange that a King headset would do this, but even stranger that I've now had two of them do it!
That said I just stuck a brand new King headset in my Badger last night......by hand! No head set press necessary!
No, I'm not some super-human mrchanic! I just lightly greased the cups and set them on the head tube. They felt as if they would go in with a quick hit with the palm of my hand and they did. I used the same technique on my Inbred oddly enough. That was one of the original pink headsets. Strange that a King headset would do this, but even stranger that I've now had two of them do it!
thats ****ing scary right there.
Well, it might sound scary, but there is an interferance fit, just not a very tight one. Think about it......how tight does it really need to be? As long as there is no play between the headset cup and the head tube, there shouldn't be a problem, ( and on my Inbred, there hasn't been any problem for two years going on three now.)
The really odd thing, and what I was hoping I could get across here, is that having one head set fit that perfectly is one thing, but two? The chances of that have to be astronomical, I would think.
As far as being scary, it's not, really. I'd be the first one to say it was a bad thing if it was, but it's not bad. Just really wierd.
The really odd thing, and what I was hoping I could get across here, is that having one head set fit that perfectly is one thing, but two? The chances of that have to be astronomical, I would think.
As far as being scary, it's not, really. I'd be the first one to say it was a bad thing if it was, but it's not bad. Just really wierd.
You know what headtube ovalization is right?
My bet is not head tube ovalization, but that the king is every so slightly smaller in diameter than some other headsets.
I've heard Kings pressing in with this "little bit of effort" on other headtubes as well.
I'm a shop mechanic and I've seen tons of headtubes and installed quite a few headsets, so yeah, I know a ovalized head tube when I meet one.
These head tubes are not, nor likely ever will be ovalized.
So much for paying $$$ for close tolerances huh?
I'll take any $40 headset in which the cups have a PROPER fit than a $130 headset that I can press in with my hands.
Well, you are welcome to your disdain, but for what it is worth, I usually have to use the press for King headsets, my two examples not withstanding. And it is note worthy that in most BMX bikes the head tubes have to be reamed for King headsets or they won't go in at all.
Really, it is a frame tolerance issue more than a King head set one, methinks.
Really, it is a frame tolerance issue more than a King head set one, methinks.
It's the sh1t tolerances in the tubing, not the headset.So much for paying $$$ for close tolerances huh?
probably right it is the frame rather than the headset. Even so - I think there are still headsets out there that will offer you more bang for your buck.
bang for your buck? I bought a king ten years ago and it stills works, great!!!
i don't think it has been brought up though but King is an American company making products here stateside and with the enviroment in mind.
taken from the website...
Energy conservation: From utilizing sky lights to naturally light much of the building to insulation that provides up to 20x more effectiveness than that of normal buildings, every aspect of our building's design addresses the ever present need to reduce energy consumption.
'Green' materials: All building materials were considered for both their content and manufacturing processes. Where ever possible, the most 'green' materials possible were chosen. Of course, supplies such as packing materials, kitchen supplies, paper products, etc. are all evaluated for their environmental impact.
Recycling: It should go without saying, but we make it a policy to recycle/reuse everything possible (keep this in mind when you see us using the non-biodegradable packaging 'peanuts'...Reuse is better than sending them to a dump).
Manufacturing processes: Making stuff creates waste - there's no way around it. What we can do, however, is make sure we handle each and every process as efficiently and responsibly as possible. Our biggest accomplishment right now is our new anodizing line. By taking this typically dirty step in house, we were able to clean it up to our standards - which for us means ZERO waste water discharge. This absolutely state of the art line completely recycles all of the water it uses and produces minimal solid waste. It cost a fortune, but we all sleep better at night knowing we're not supporting the typical, potentially highly polluting, anodizing process.
We're constantly evaluating the way we do things in order to seek more environmentally conscious means towards making our world a better, more enjoyable place to live and ride.
i don't think it has been brought up though but King is an American company making products here stateside and with the enviroment in mind.
taken from the website...
Energy conservation: From utilizing sky lights to naturally light much of the building to insulation that provides up to 20x more effectiveness than that of normal buildings, every aspect of our building's design addresses the ever present need to reduce energy consumption.
'Green' materials: All building materials were considered for both their content and manufacturing processes. Where ever possible, the most 'green' materials possible were chosen. Of course, supplies such as packing materials, kitchen supplies, paper products, etc. are all evaluated for their environmental impact.
Recycling: It should go without saying, but we make it a policy to recycle/reuse everything possible (keep this in mind when you see us using the non-biodegradable packaging 'peanuts'...Reuse is better than sending them to a dump).
Manufacturing processes: Making stuff creates waste - there's no way around it. What we can do, however, is make sure we handle each and every process as efficiently and responsibly as possible. Our biggest accomplishment right now is our new anodizing line. By taking this typically dirty step in house, we were able to clean it up to our standards - which for us means ZERO waste water discharge. This absolutely state of the art line completely recycles all of the water it uses and produces minimal solid waste. It cost a fortune, but we all sleep better at night knowing we're not supporting the typical, potentially highly polluting, anodizing process.
We're constantly evaluating the way we do things in order to seek more environmentally conscious means towards making our world a better, more enjoyable place to live and ride.
however; MMcG does have a point too. For instance, I have a Race Face headset from the mid 90's still going strong in my Karate Monkey. This is after several years of winter time riding too.
A great, well made cartridge bearing head set can last a long time if you are not a complete abuser of equipment and/or lack the will to take care of (maintain) things.
That said, the American/green manufacturing side of Chris King does carry some weight with some folks. That's cool. Me? I just dig a well made component that comes in anodized colors!
A great, well made cartridge bearing head set can last a long time if you are not a complete abuser of equipment and/or lack the will to take care of (maintain) things.
That said, the American/green manufacturing side of Chris King does carry some weight with some folks. That's cool. Me? I just dig a well made component that comes in anodized colors!