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Which headset?
 

[Closed] Which headset?

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[#649762]

To go onto my Heckler - a playbike with simplicity in mind.
No Hope - bad experiences.
No CK - silly price.
Looking at these:
1. Da Bomb Nuclear Black 1.1/8"
2. Nuke Proof Warhead SL Black 1.1/8"
3. FSA XLII Cartridge Headset Black 1.1/8"
Priced around £35 each.
Opinions please.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:01 pm
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I was just about to type the same question! I will stay tuned.

keppoch.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:04 pm
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Cane Creek S9 as good as CK, but a lot cheaper.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:06 pm
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Cane Creek, ... simplesss


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:09 pm
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You know what? I changed my mind today. I have (very) long-term Hope and CK headsets and yes, they work well + forever. My favourite and always-recommend is the FSA Pig. It's cheap and indestructible. Arrives dry though, so pack with grease. Cheap as chips.

BUT! Then! I fitted the Superstar (I know, bear with me...) headset I WON at SSUK09 for having the oldest bike (the one with the childseat + the teddy bear) to a frame for my son today. It's great! Apparently it's very cheap. Obviously it could explode tomorrow, but cartridge bearings, split crown-race, light, cheap... Yeah, looks good why not.

There you go then. Pig guaranteed or superstar bit of a gamble.

Cheers, al.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:12 pm
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II have an Aerozine (the make SS supply) on my Ti hardtail and it's on its way out after around 18 months. I was thinking of a Crank Bros replacement.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:20 pm
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I always end up with a FSA headset so probably all I'm looking for is a reason not to. Light, reliable, cheap, black. Darn, what a dilemma!


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:22 pm
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Gotta suggest the FSA Pig,gert big bearings on the bottom race, and flippin simple to service, have run several on bikes after fuming at other 'options'


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:25 pm
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... and there's a "Pig plus" model int there? Hmm, what's that called....

Well, wiggle have them in stock under £16.
[url] http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/FSA_Pig_Aheadset/125673781/#buyitem [/url]

Aha! and the leprecauns have loads of them. The 'super' version is the "FSA Pig DH Pro Headset" at £35. Looks like it would survive nuclear war. Wiggle's cheaper for the basic though.
[url] http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=fsa+pig&DoSort=true&CurrentPageIndex=0&SortExpression=PRICE_ASC [/url]


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:44 pm
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[url= http://www.readytoridecycles.co.uk/fsa-orbit-xtreme-pro-1-18-headset---mtb--bmx---free-uk-postage-123-p.asp ]I'm looking at this, hmmmm.....[/url]


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:50 pm
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Bought the above. Sorted.


 
Posted : 20/06/2009 11:56 pm
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can we have a followup? I bough a 'cheep' Cane Creek S8 from merlin which disintegrated (litteraly, the stainle steel races rusted through!), apparently FSA&CC make OEM headsets as well....................


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 12:20 am
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We have been through most of those, FSA have been OK, Hope alright but dont get them now but the CK just keep going - for life around here so cheapest! if you dont want the new price then buy a very good condition one off here around for around £50-£60 no brainer as far as I am concerned - though did like the FSA deal above....


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 12:32 am
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I got 4 years of daily riding without any issues from Cane Creek Tank II, a year (so far) from S6, the FSA on wife's bike is 3 years old and no issues.
I'll see this one.
CK headsets have another characteristics - sometimes they struggle with longer forks, at least according to this very forum. Besides, I'd go for Reset headset over CK (think Niccolai vs. Orange) if I were flush.


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 7:57 am
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FSA Orbit X needs new bearings on the race bike after only 18 months of light use. I've got Race Face Real Seals on 2 bikes, 5 & 10 years old. The oldest has had a new set of bearings.
Can you still get Real Seals?


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 8:19 am
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What wrong with Hope? I've got one on the commuter and one on the mtb witbs.h no problems. Having said that also had Cane Creek S3 with no probs.


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 9:06 am
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Kept my forks steering faultlessly for abut a year now:

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=112


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 10:50 am
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I had a Hope headset off here which was in supposedly great condition. It felt rough and poorly made.
If the bearings last a year I'm fine with it.


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 11:11 am
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Cane creek 110, the best out there and you get a 110 yr guarantee!!!


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 1:34 pm
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Have you seen the price? Besides, I'll change the bike before then, so no need for such.


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 6:07 pm
 DrP
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Just ordered the fsa orbit extreme pro too!
Was looking at the orbit mx for £25 from on-one, but although this one is a bit heavier (15gm) it's also a bit beefier, which'll suit me fine.

The Pig DH on my meta is a bit too piggy for me!
Anyone interested in it when it comes off? A bit of cable rub on the lower crown, but still nice and smooth...

DrP


 
Posted : 21/06/2009 6:42 pm