11 best bike headsets
Bike Headsets:
Bike headsets are essential components of a bicycle's steering system, connecting the fork to the frame and allowing for smooth and controlled steering.They consist of several parts and components that work together to facilitate the movement of the front wheel and handlebars. Here's what you need to know about bike headsets:
Purpose: The primary purpose of a bike headset is to enable the rotation of the handlebars and front wheel, allowing the rider to steer the bicycle.
Components:
- Bearings: Most headsets use ball bearings to reduce friction and enable smooth rotation. Bearings can be housed in either loose ball or cartridge configurations.
- Cups: These are usually press-fitted into the frame and serve as the outer race for the bearings.
- Cone: The cone is part of the fork assembly and acts as the inner race for the bearings.
- Crown Race: This component sits on top of the fork crown and provides a smooth surface for the lower bearings to rest on.
- Compression Ring: Also known as a headset spacer or top cap, this component is used to preload the bearings and adjust headset tension.
- Stem: The stem attaches to the top of the fork steerer tube and holds the handlebars. It can come in various lengths and angles to customize the rider's reach and riding position.
- Spacers: Spacers are used to fine-tune the stack height of the stem and handlebars, allowing for adjustments in handlebar height.
- Top Cap: The top cap sits atop the stem and compression ring, providing a finished look and a place for preloading the headset.
Types:
- Threaded Headsets: These are older, traditional headsets where the fork has a threaded steerer tube, and a threaded headset nut is used for adjustment.
- Threadless Headsets: Modern bikes typically use threadless headsets, where the steerer tube is smooth and the stem clamps directly onto it. These are more common and offer easy adjustment.
Sizes:
- Headsets come in various sizes, most notably in the diameter of the steerer tube and the size of the bearings. Common sizes include 1 inch, 1 1/8 inch, and 1.5 inches.
Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance is important to ensure smooth and safe steering. This includes cleaning and greasing the bearings and inspecting for wear and tear.
Upgrades:
- Upgrading your headset can improve the overall performance of your bike, offering smoother steering and potentially reducing weight.
In summary, bike headsets are integral components of a bicycle's steering system, consisting of bearings, cups, cones, and other parts. They come in different types and sizes, with threadless headsets being the most common on modern bikes. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the headset functioning properly, and upgrading it can enhance your cycling experience.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bike headsets on the market
ORNOOU Bike Headset, 28.6mm(1-1/8") Heavy Duty Headset Spacer with Stem Top Cap, Aluminum Alloy Bike Front Fork Stem Headset Bike Nuts Replacement Cycling Accessory
ORNOOU
Product description
Specification:
Material: Steel + Aluminum alloy
Weight: 125 gram
Colour: Black
- Package Content: 7pcs x bike handlebar stem spacers, 2pcs x 44mm bead holders, 1pc x star nut, 1pc x bolt, 1pc x top headset cover, these cycling Headset provide different combinations to adjust the height of handlebar for your riding style, compatible with 1-1/8" road and mountain bike
- Premium Material: Bicycle headsets are made of high-quality steel and aluminum alloy, which are rust-proof, sturdy and durable, can be used for a long time
- Great Bike Headset: Produced by exquisite workmanship, bicycle headset spacers have smooth surface and excellent performance, suitable for MTB, road bike.
- Specification: 44mm, can apply to 44mm frame head tube + 28.6mm fork head tube; Weight: 125 grams, lightweight and easy to install.
- Customer Service: If you have any problem, please contact us immediately. We offer free refund or return.
User questions & answers
| Question: | If this headset is not in retail packaging, how does it come: in a plastic bag |
| Answer: | I would recommend you measure by hip size. With the INNERSY Pantie a XS would be a hip size of 34 - 35.5. This would be equivalent to wearing a size 4 jean or pant. |
| Question: | Does this come with a crown race |
| Answer: | Yes |
| Question: | Does this come with bearings and seals |
| Answer: | They are 95% cotton 5% spandex fabric with 100% fabric crotch. They are my favorites! Nice stretch & no ride up. I've been wearing this brand 3 years now with no issues. |
| Question: | My marin fairfax has a steering tube of 1 1/8" when i measure the id on my bottom cup it measures 30mm. is this the correct headset for my bike |
| Answer: | Big girl panties or granny panties. Comfortable, breathable, and true to size. |
CNC 1-1/8" Bicycle Headset, 44mm Threadless Headset for MTB Road Mountain Bike
ShenZhenShiShiLiLanTianKeJiYouXianGongSi
Product description
Specifications:
Material: Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 cap & body, steel bolt & sunflower.
Workmanship: CNC machined, etched pattern.
Bearing Type: inside cartridge system.
Stack Height: 22.3mm.
Top Cover Size: 9mm( Height) × 50mm(diameter).
Compression Washer Size: 30mm(outer diameter) × 28.6mm(inner diameter).
Upper/Down headset: 44mm(inner diameter mouth).
Upper/Down Bearing: 9mm(Height) × 30mm(inner diameter mouth) × 41mm (outer diameter mouth).
Bottom sealed Washer Size: 30mm( inner diameter mouth).
Top Bolt Size: M6 × 33mm(length).
Top cap Size: 32mm(diameter) × 2mm(height).
Weight: 141g/set.
Color: Black.
Fit for: Threadless Ø28.6mm Fork steerer/stem with 44mm head Tube.
Application: Mountain Bike(MTB), Road Bike, BMX etc.
Package Include:
1 set of CNC caged threadless headset.
Note: CNC bike headset comes with 3 months Warranty. Any question, please contact us!
- Fit for: Ø1-1/8 inch (28.6mm) straight fork tube with 44mm head Tube.
- Material: Forged 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy, CNC machined.
- Headtube ID.: 44mm; Crown Race: 30mm; Semi-integrated.
- Use: MTB, road bike, mountain bike, BMX, etc. Easy to install and remove.
- If not satisfied with CNC bike headset, please apply for unconditional return and refund within 180 days.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this come with shims for the top that go underneath the stem |
| Answer: | They are thin with flat seams, but they still show a tiny bit in the rear with a yoga pant. Not super thin like a hanky panky. With jeans or thicker material, they wouldn’t show. |
| Question: | Will this fit a walmart mongoose bmx bike |
| Answer: | Not according to the size chart. XXL fits 49 - 51 inches, women's size 20-22 |
| Question: | does it come with a crown race |
| Answer: | Sri-Lanka |
| Question: | Why is sunlite so reluctant to include critcal dimensions in their adverts: thread size, bottom race diameter, cup diameter, stack height |
| Answer: | It is cotton 100% in the crotch area. |
| Question: | is this same headset configuration available for |
| Answer: | I do not know, but they are a bit too warm when exercising. |
Full Speed Ahead FSA Hammer Threadless Heavy Duty Bicycle Headset
FSA
Product description
12mm "Deep Cup" design. Nylon top cover. Forged and CNC machined steel cups. 5/32" x 20 upper bearings 3/16" x 20 oversized lower bearings 24.7mm stack height 149g
- With forged and CNC machined crmo cups and oversized 1/4 inch bearings in the lower cup, this headset will not let you down
- FSA sl-k RNUMxRNUMT stem was constructed to provide rigid support for the handlebars, feeling similar in both weight and stiffness
- Manufactured in Taiwan
- Package Dimensions : 5.84 L x 5.84 W x 8.13 H in Centimeters
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this headset fit perfecrly on a Kona Nunu 2001 frame |
| Answer: | these will work... nice waist band .... it holds well. |
| Question: | My fork has a 30mm crown race! Will this with that |
| Answer: | I would order your usual size. I’m 5’5” and 135 lbs and a medium fits me fine - that’s my usual size |
| Question: | Does this headset come with a crown race |
| Answer: | The size for XL is exactly XL |
| Question: | will this fit on the razor ultra pro scooter |
| Answer: | You can try to purchase it to see if would fit |
Sumind 11 Pieces Bike Carbon Fiber Headset Spacer Bicycle 1-1/8 Inch 20 15 10 5 3 2 1 mm, 7 Size
Sumind
- Multi-size package: this package contains 7 different sizes, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, small size of spacer headset let you have a more precise height adjustment
- Appearance and performance: automatic cutting, smooth edge, fit most of the road bicycles, delicate texture and durable to use
- Material of bike handlebar spacer: woven carbon, nice look and good quality, light weight, good strength and well temperature resistance, good impact resistance
- Feature of carbon fiber bicycle headset spacer: more resistant to corrosion, more hard than aluminum alloy headset spacer, and lighter than aluminum alloy made one
- Size detail: inner diameter is approx. 28.6 mm while the external is 34.9 mm, total weight is about 45 g
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this actually carbon fiber |
| Answer: | There is a small seam in the back of the crotch on the inside. The first time that I washed them, the crotch came out of all five pairs. I would not recommend these! |
| Question: | Will these spacers work on a stock frame and equipment |
| Answer: | I think they run true to size. I would order xl. |
| Question: | will this fit scooter forks |
| Answer: | I wld cut it, since like most tags, it is on the side seam. But I've never cut mine. The tags are silky and soft, so don't bother me. |
| Question: | Are these safe for enduro/gravity style riding |
| Answer: | Yes |
| Question: | I'm buying this and a new fork for my bike. Does this come with a crown race to fit on my fork or can I use the crown race from my old fork? Thanks |
| Answer: | The tag says made in Sri Lanka. |
| Question: | What is the stack height? I am replacing a headset with an upper stack of 30mm and the bottom part (between fork and head tube) about 12mm |
| Answer: | Not so much. I wouldn't call these "pouch" briefs. The picture is a bit deceiving. They are okay but not my favorite. |
| Question: | Will this work for italian threaded fork |
| Answer: | Hi Julia, The inseam length of Good Brief Men's 3-Pack Cotton Stretch Long Leg Boxer Briefs is 9". |
| Question: | I have a 30mm inner dimension are the outer dimension of the cups on this 30mm |
| Answer: | Oh they show that bulge real nice. |
FSA The Pig Headset
FSA
Product description
FSA's The Pig headset is one tough customer. With forged and CNC machined CrMo cups and oversized 1/4" bearings in the lower cup, this headset will not let you down.
- With Forged And Cnc Machined Crmo Cups And Oversized 1/4 Inch Bearings In The Lower Cup, This Headset Will Not Let You Down
- Fsa Sl-K Rnumxrnumt Stem Was Constructed To Provide Rigid Support For The Handlebars, Feeling Similar In Both Weight And Stiffness
- Manufactured In Taiwan
- Package Dimensions: 2.4" ( H ) x 2.3" ( L ) x 2.3" ( W )
User questions & answers
| Question: | Reviews for this are that what is shipped is not the real fsa 'the pig'. are they mistaken? what is actual fsa part# being shipped |
| Answer: | Yes they will. I have long nails as well but it wasn't a problem. I still love them! |
| Question: | Whats wrong with this nockoff |
| Answer: | The fabric is nice quality but the crotch falls out when you first wash them. I would not recommend these. |
| Question: | Why can't it ship to California |
| Answer: | There is a cotton crotch. But no elastic on the legs so the slide up the butt |
| Question: | Will this work on a tapered fork |
| Answer: | No, but I have health issues and many medications that lead to big fluctuations in weight gain and I find these are super comfortable |
Cane Creek 40-Series Traditional Headset
Cane Creek
Product description
* 40-Series Represents the Perfect Balance of Performance, Durability and Value* Internally Contoured 6061-T6 Aluminum Cups and Cover* Innovative Clip-Seal Seals the Top Assembly and Captures the Compression Ring* Interlok Spacer Compatible* Sealed Black Oxide Steel Cartridge Bearing* Consistent Stack Heights Across 10, 40 and 110-Series* Internal Parts Are Cross-Compatible Across 10, 40 and 110-Series
- 6061 T-6 Aluminum
- Internally Contoured Cups Minimize Weight
- Innovative Clip-Seal Seals the Top Assembly and Captures the Compression Ring
- Durable Steel Crown Race with Low-Friction Face-Seals
- Internal Parts Are Cross-Compatible Across 10, 40 and 110 series
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this fit an 09 trek fuel ex |
| Answer: | This is not the hat that I ordered but in my opinion it is definitely more teal. The one that I ordered, the color was truly as posted. |
| Question: | Is this headset sealed bearing |
| Answer: | No, it is lace gloves. |
| Question: | Will this fit a road bike with 1 1/8 steel tube? I don't know anything about the bike sorry I borrowed it from some one |
| Answer: | I have small hands for a woman and they fit me fine. |
| Question: | Will this fit a trek xcaliber |
| Answer: | I would say around 12-13 yrs .. the gloves are pretty much an adult size but are very fitted/slim , teens can fit in them too.. I wouldn’t recommend for small little girls(under the age of 10) they would be a little too big |
VGEBY1 Bike Headset, 34mm Bicycle Bearing Headset Heavy-Duty Headset 28.6mm Straight Steerer Fork Bearing
VGEBY1
Product description
Features:
GREAT PERFORMANCE: Equipped with CNC high precision machining, which is colorfast and anti-deformation.
HIGH STABLITY: Aluminum alloy construction delivers excellent stability, and the material is durable to use.
GOOD COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for 34mm bike frame head tube, and compatible for 28.6mm straight steerer fork.
NICE TOOL: Easy to install and use, really a nice replacement part for your bike!
Specification:
Condition: 100% Brand New
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Color: Black, Red(Optional)
For Frame Head Tube Top and Bottom Diameter: 34mm / 1.3in
For Fork: 1 1/8" (28.6mm) Straight Steerer Fork
Height: 14 + 12= 26mm
Dimension: Approx. 4.5 * 4.5cm / 1.8 * 1.8in
Weight: Approx. 116g
Packing List:
1 x Bike Headset
- GREAT PERFORMANCE: Equipped with CNC high precision machining, which is colorfast and anti-deformation.
- HIGH STABLITY: Aluminum alloy construction delivers excellent stability, and the material is durable to use.
- GOOD COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for 34mm bike frame head tube, and compatible for 28.6mm straight steerer fork.
- NICE TOOL: Easy to install and use, really a nice replacement part for your bike!
- GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied with our product received, you can apply for unconditional return and refund within 180 days. In terms of any problem of this product, you can send emails as soon.
Kbrotech Bicycle Headset Spacer Aluminium Alloy Bike Stem Headset Spacers Fork Washer Fit for 1 1/8-Inch Stem 2mm 5mm 10mm (8pieces)
Kbrotech
- Fit for 28.6mm front stem fork of MTB, BMX, mountain bike, road bike etc.
- 8pieces aluminum Headset Spacers 2mmx2,5mmx3,10mmx3.Spaces Inside diameter:28.6mm
- Lightweight and easy to install.help to raise your handlebar.
- Made of high-quality aluminum alloy material,CNC finished.
- 3 different size(2mm/5mm/10mm),they could fit for your demand and meet different needs.
Bicycle Headset Top Cover Front Fork Stem Top Caps Bowl for Fit on 1-1/8 Fork Bike Headset Top Cover Aluminum Alloy MTB Bike Parts
onemeter
Product description
Product Description
The headset caps for bicycles and mountain bikes are sturdy and durable, and the design is novel to make your riding more enjoyable.
Feature
1.Color:as shown in the picture.
2.Size:about 3.1x3.1x0.5cm.
3.Material: Aluminum alloy.
4.Made of high-quality materials, strong and durable，Light weight, not easy to deform.
- Light weight, strong pressure resistance, not easy to deform and 28.6mm headset cap diameter is suitable for majority of bicycle headset.
- Bike stem cap made of high-quality materials, durable.
- Bike stem cap made of high-quality materials, durable.
- Bicycle headset top cap Aluminum alloy, high strength, good quality, durable, wear-resistant, easy to assemble and disassemble.
- bicycle headset top cap Aluminum alloy, high strength, good quality, durable, wear-resistant, easy to assemble and disassemble.
Bostar 1-1/8" Threadless Mountain Bike Headset Sealed Bearings Cycling Equipment External Bottom Brackets with Top Cap for MTB Road Bike Scooter
Bostar
Product description
Specification:
Material: 7075-T6 aluminium
Outer diameter: 45mm / 1.77inches
Crown race diameter: 30mm / 1.18inches
Cartridge bearing diameter: 34mm / 1.34inches
Stack height: 52mm / 2.05inches
Note:
Due to the difference between different monitors,the picture may not reflect the actual color of the item
Please allow 0.1-1cm differs due to manual measurement,thanks
Package Included:
1 * Bike Headset
- Compatible with thread-less bike 1-1/8inch 28.6mm fork flat tube frame used.
- The stem headset is universal for MTB, road bike and fixed gear.
- Made of ultralight aluminium with forged and CNC machined, the headset is anti-rust, sturdy and durable.
- It's simple and fast to install, good replacement for your bike, make riding easier and more enjoyable.
Farbetter 1-1/8" Heavy Duty Headset Top Cap Bearings, 34mm/ 44mm Diameter Threadless Stem Tapered Sealed BMX Bearing Nuts
Farbetter
- Specification: 44mm (applicable to 44mm frame head tube + 28.6mm fork head tube)
- 1-1/8" Threadless headset Completed with star nut and bolt.
- Durable, smooth, lightweight and durable headset, is suitable for MTB, Road Bike.
- Material: high-quality steel forged, strong and durable, save money and worry.
- Made in Taiwan
User questions & answers
| Question: | This is for a tapered or straight headset |
| Answer: | The set I ordered did not include gloves. |
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