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New ZS tapered headset or transfer?

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[#13522134]

Headset prices seem to have increased rather dramatically since I last purchased one! I need to replace a zero stack headset for a tapered fork - 44/56 - which is somewhat loose and rattly.

Intended purpose is for a rigid MTB that'll be used when I want my daily cycle commutes to be a bit more fun than can be had on my usual commuring bike. It'll be locked outside on the street in all weathers, so nothing bling bling.

I have a better spec'd hardtail with a Cane Creak 40 headset which I've been quite happy with, and is the same size, so I'm half wondering about buying a like for like replacement for that bike, and then transferring the old one to the other bike for commuting purposes.

Any issues with that? Otherwise, any recommendations for a budget but reliable ZS tapered 44/56 headset?


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 10:02 pm
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Superstar and Works have been fine for me


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 10:25 pm
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Superstar way out of my budget at £50 just for the cups alone without bearings or anything else.

At the other end of the spectrum there's headsets on Amazon for £8. They'll be a no too.

Was hoping for sub £50 recommendations. Had a look last night and the online stores don't make it easy to discover what's compatible. I miss the days of ultra specific filters on CRC.

Do you usually buy the whole thing or is it more pic'n'mix these days for headsets?


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 10:38 pm
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eBay, nukeproof bottom pick and mix for £8. Then a top cup of your choice. Or bird have one for £30 all in that is decent. Can you not just change the bearings?


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:23 pm
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£44 https://www.sprocketandgear.co.uk/collections/headsets/products/fsa-orbit-1-5e-zs-semi-integrated-tapered-steerer-44-56mm-headset

Tapered steerer this time. That's better 😉


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:29 pm
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Can you not just change the bearings?

Guess I could? Not sure why I hadn't thought of that. This is why I decided to ask, thanks! It's a Nukeproof headset in there currently.


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:32 pm
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£30 one here https://www.bird.bike/product/bird-headset/?attribute_colour=Black

Nukeproof zs56 bottom cup, probably cheaper than the bearings.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156423519582


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:34 pm
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Why don't Bird do a bright green one that'd match my Zero TR!


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:37 pm
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My bike came with one of these, IMO it's great value for money, way better than other comparable cost headsets, and there are shiny colours ?

https://www.bird.bike/product/bird-headset/


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:39 pm
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I'd leave the 40 where it is unless you have the tools to fit and remove properly. Too easy to damage knocking them out with the wrong thing or pressing in not quite straight.


 
Posted : 30/01/2025 11:40 pm
kelvin and kelvin reacted
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The bird one is great and iirc same bearings size wise as hope so when the bearings dye, swap for hope


 
Posted : 31/01/2025 9:12 am
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The Bird headset looking a good choice then, cheers.


 
Posted : 31/01/2025 11:19 am
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Nukeproof headset bearings are easily replaced, unless the old cartridge bearing has rusted itself in place.

Be cheaper and less effort than knocking out the old cups and pressing in new ones

https://www.kineticbikebearings.com/ are good and ship orders promptly


 
Posted : 31/01/2025 1:30 pm