[ehammarlund]

My LBS has:
Cane creek zs2 $65 (don't think I can fit a zero stack, but I'm not sure)
Campy record $70
Ritchey logic $25

Online, I can buy:
cane creek: s2 $30; s3 $40; c4 $40; s8 $55
diacompe: aheadset sas $10; aheadset AL $15
FSA: orbit X road $45.

I'll be riding this mostly as a road commuter (part dirt road). I'm always hoping to save money. but obviously compared to the total bike build cost, $20 isn't all THAT much money: if one of these headsets is smackdown superior to the others then I'd love to know... Help!

Advice?

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[Lectron]

For commuting, the Ritchey should be good enough. For CX it suck.
The Campa Record would probably work, but only safe thing for (harder)
CX looks like Chris King and some (heavy) free ride stuff.

[markhr]

try a cane creek s6 - good quality without breaking the bank

[Tom boyd]

I second the S6. Replaceable cartridge bearings and you can find them for under $50.

[ehammarlund]

thanks, all. I ended up getting the s2 before all these replies came out--I had to decide taht night.

[Lectron]

thanks, all. I ended up getting the s2 before all these replies came out--I had to decide taht night.

If you're using a rigid fork you really should go back with it, if you can that is. That is not a good headset, I'm sorry.
It has a plastic race, and as ZeNMotion put it
I've used a Cane Creek C2, cheap alternative but it loosened up frequently.
I don't mean to rub it in, but there's a search function here at this site.

Two people has recommended you the S6. The S2 is based on that design, but it's really a very cheap version of it.
It's more money, but I'll say it's cheaper since you don't have to change it at all times.

Anyway though. I hope of course it works. Nothings better. And. If you have to change it, it wasn't an expensive affair :)

[ehammarlund]

is there really that much difference? i didn't realize. well, s6 it is, then. it's only $15 more.

[velocipedio]

bottom line about cyclo-cross racing: bearing assemblies like headsets and bottom brackets have finite lifespans. get used to the idea that you'll have to replace your bearings or headset/bb much more often than roadies.

[Lectron]

All stainless steel headset with ¼” balls. This time I expect it to last a little longer !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Lectron/Nettbilder/th_Airborne001.jpgClickable (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Lectron/Nettbilder/Airborne001.jpg)