How to choose your road bike headset?

How to choose your road bike headset?

The headset contributes to the reliable, precise steering of your bike. It also absorbs all the forces coming from the front wheel, which is why it inevitably tires and needs to be replaced as soon as the headset loses its smoothness or becomes loose. Housed between the fork and the framethe headset must conform to the standards of these two parts. Here are some explanations to help you.

The standards

  • Type: external, semi-integrated, integrated
  • Frame insertion diameter
  • Fork mounting diameter
  • SHIS dimensions

Headset types

The multitude of headset standards combined with the 3 current standards for fork steerer tubes gives a staggering number of possibilities for error when you don't master the subject. However, it's relatively simple to identify the model you need, thanks to three pieces of information:

Firstly, the insertion diameter This is the internal diameter in the bare frame at the entrance to the headset bushing. The value may be different for the upper and lower part, so you need to measure both for a complete headset.

Secondly, the mounting diameter on the fork. This corresponds to the diameter of your fork steerer tube. The value may be different for the top and bottom of the steerer tube, so you need to measure both for a complete headset.

Finally, the type of mounting. If the bearing is housed in a cup that protrudes from the frame: there's no doubt it's a external (or EC*)) A. If the bearing is still in a cup but embedded in the frame, it is a semi-integrated (or ZS*) B. For the last case, where the bearing is placed directly in the frame without a cup, it is a integrated (or IS*)) C. The type may be different for the top and bottom parts, so it's important to identify both for a complete headset.

Finally, you'll often hear about SHIS (Standardized Headset Identification System); this is simply the name of the standardization, a synthesis of what we've just seen together. The SHIS is always composed of: 2 letters for the type, a first value for insertion in the frame, then a 2nd value for the fork pivot. For example, a headset whose SHIS is EC34/28.6 will be an external-type headset, with a frame insertion of 34 mm and a fork steerer tube diameter of 28.6 mm.

Which headset should I choose?

As you've probably gathered by now, your choice will be determined by your frame bushing and fork steerer tube (SHIS).

You have a choice of play material and bearing type. For the latter, you'll find either ball-cage systems that last over time, provided you maintain them regularly, or sealed bearings requiring less maintenance.

Reminder If your frame is designed for a 1.5" fork or a tapered fork, there are headset kits available for a conventional 1"1/8 steerer fork.

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