Mountain Biking - Getting an eBay fork, should I upgrade the headset at the same time?

I decided to upgrade the entry-level fork on my 2005 Kona Blast by going fishing at eBay. I ended up winning a 2004 Fox F100X. I'll send the fork over to Push Industries on Monday for a factory rebuild and will likely get it back in a little over a week's time.

My question is this. Since I'll be taking the fork off, should I upgrade the headset while I'm at it? I've learnt from the collective knowledge here that most components do not need replacement until they are broken.

There are exceptions and forks are definitely one of those. I think that headsets fall under this category only in that a Chris King headset is basically a component that will outlast the rest of the bike. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that my old one needs replacement.

I've already saved a fair amount of money on my fork by going the Ebay route so I have room to drop $100+ for a Chris King headset only if it makes sense. I have a week+ before the fork gets back so if the concensus is to replace the new headset, I'll order it soon so that it gets here in time for me to install my new fork.

For what it's worth, my current headset is an Aheadset STS model. I ride primarily XC, what I would describe as technical XC, and have started XC racing.

I wouldn't trade it out. If I were to, I would get the fsa pig anyways. :)

I wouldn't trade it out. If I were to, I would get the fsa pig anyways. :)


I agree...well not about the pig...something named the "Pig" doesn't fit into the whole lightweight XC concept!

Errr, both of you said that I shouldn't trade it out yet the poll results are at 100% to replace it. Something tells me you didn't bother voting. Are you Canadian or something? :p

Take off, eh...I forgot. ;)

Most headsets last a long time. Keep the $100, chances are you won't need to replace the headset before you want a new frame.

You should have an "Other" option in your pole for getting a different headset just not the Chris King.

You should have an "Other" option in your pole for getting a different headset just not the Chris King.

No, if the concensus is for me to change the headset, I will make it a Chris King. I'm sold on the Chris King product line.

No, if the concensus is for me to change the headset, I will make it a Chris King. I'm sold on the Chris King product line.

Then I wouldn't change it out. Just get the new fork.

i would just change it.. cause i then have an excuse to change to a CK headset..

You know you want a nice Chris King headset...

So far I've heard convincing arguments to not replace the headset but nothing concrete for getting the new one.

It seems the only argument for replacement is the bling factor and that isn't the type of answer I've been looking for.

I'm leaning quite heavily towards keeping the headset I have.

I was all set to keep my headset and then I stumbled across this over at speedgoat.com. Believe it or not I actually like the colour. It also benefits a breast cancer foundation (komen.org). I have a wife and two daughters and the stats of breast cancer concerns me a lot.

http://speedgoat.com/images/products/15522.jpg


Hmmm...it would look pretty cool on my black Kona blast.

You could just donate to the charity instead. If you can afford a CK headset you can easily give plenty more than the $2 CK gives per headset.
However you wouldn't get a cool pink headset.

You could just donate to the charity instead. If you can afford a CK headset you can easily give plenty more than the $2 CK gives per headset.
However you wouldn't get a cool pink headset.

I think CK will give $5 and I even found an eBay seller who is an official CK vendor who will match the CK $5 donation.

FWIW, I have already donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

CK gives $1!!! Its the biggest scam I've seen... buy our $100+ headset and we will give $1 to charity. I'm buying nothing but Ritchey WCS from now on.

I got the $2 figure from the CK website http://www.chrisking.com/store/pands2005.html

I got the $2 figure from the CK website http://www.chrisking.com/store/pands2005.html

Hmmm, I got the $5 figure from the eBay seller listing. http://cgi.ebay.ca/Chris-King-PINK-HEADSET-1-1-8-Inch_W0QQitemZ7184975277QQcategoryZ42336QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

OK - I just reread it. The $5 value is the buyer's forced contribution that is above the $2 (or $1) Chris King value that the eBay seller will then match. Makes sense because the listed price over at Speedgoat is $129. This eBay seller is charging $134 and then sending an extra $5.

Hmmm, sounds like the eBay seller is getting a tax credit using other people's money. He does have 100% positive feedback on over 3000+ transactions so I would trust this guy.

I've used the same Aheadset on three different forks with my Stumpjumper. No problems at all. The thing is smooth as smoothness. I even installed it with a hammer and a screwdriver

I personal replace my headset when I change my forks. I just changed fames and I replaced the headset and BB. Just my opinion. Want to make sure that all the bearing are fresh.

Thanks for the input everyone.

I've decided that the only reason why I would get a new headset is just for looks. I would not be at any real advantage getting a new headset over the existing one. Duckliondog pretty much proved it.

The debate now is whether or not I want to treat myself to a pink CK headset. All you Canadians know that the CAD to USD exchange rate has been fantastic and a headset at $129 USD is a lot cheaper than what it would have been a year ago. Add to that PinkRobe was quoted $450 CAD from an Alberta LBS.

If I do get it, I'd probably get it from SpeedGoat to test out their Canadian-friendliness for shipping et al. Maybe I'll take a hit for the team and report back on my SpeedGoat experience. :D

The Chris King is the Rolex of headsets. Sure other headsets turn, but they don't have the precision machining, green manufacturing processes, fair labor practices, warrantee (10 years covering EVERYTHING! You could return it for a different color simply because you changed your mind) nor half the reputation for quality that a Chris King has. I personally know people who have transferred their King five times as they purchased new bikes.
From personal experience NOTHING tops a King

It's like a Thomson seatpost or a Fox fork - simply the best there is

The best, Gerry, the best!

I will proceed with the purchase of the pink Chris King headset from Speedgoat.com and let you know how it goes. I will likely place the order at the end of the weekend to see if anyone from my club wants to buy something on the same order.

The best, Gerry, the best!

I will proceed with the purchase of the pink Chris King headset from Speedgoat.com and let you know how it goes. I will likely place the order at the end of the weekend to see if anyone from my club wants to buy something on the same order.
I applaud your decision

Ah sweet closure. So, CK found my soft spot by coming out with the Pretty & Strong headset. I support breast cancer AWARENESSS and research. If everytime someone sees/asks about the Pink Chris King headset, then it's done its job.

I actually got this a while ago but forgot to take pics, then when i finally did they were sitting in my camera for a while, then when i got them off my camera I started getting PC problems (100% CPU) and I now got a Mac and all is well in my world.

Here are a couple of pics to conclude this thread:

http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/ckHeadset.jpg
http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/ckHeadset2.jpg
http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/ckHeadset3.jpg
http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/ckHeadset4.jpg

Once again I applaud your decision in all aspects

Did the pink thngs on your fork(forget the name) come that color or can you buy them seperately?

Did the pink thngs on your fork(forget the name) come that color or can you buy them seperately?
Actually they're red :rolleyes: and no you can't. They're stock on the Fox

Yeah, the adjustment knobs are red and blue. My photography skills leave a lot to be desired. The headset isn't even coming out pink in the pictures, they sort of look fuscia/purple.

well, i would keep your current. YOur not going to notice a difference, so changing really would do no good.

well, i would keep your current. YOur not going to notice a difference, so changing really would do no good.

Too late!

Too late!
I hope he was talking to bruiser about his adjuster knobs.
As most of us with King's know you DO notice a difference.

I've never used a king headset, and probably never will. I just dont see it justified. For the cost, i might as well make one myself.
Can you tell me in what way you notice a difference besides long life?

i like, it, a lot. Where's the fork though, i wanna see that too

I've never used a king headset, and probably never will. I just dont see it justified. For the cost, i might as well make one myself.
Can you tell me in what way you notice a difference besides long life?
The precision is palpable. I've dealt with many really nice headsets and while any headset can be smooth if properly adjusted the King glides like no other

i like, it, a lot. Where's the fork though, i wanna see that too

Here you go. In this pic you also see my Avid BB7 and the nifty reflector stickers that Raiyn taught me. I just realized that Raiyn has been a good influence on my bike and me:

http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/2004F100X.jpg

Here you go. In this pic you also see my Avid BB7 and the nifty reflector stickers that Raiyn taught me. I just realized that Raiyn has been influence on my bike and me:

http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/2004F100X.jpg
Let's see here:

Chris King headset CHECK
Fox Fork CHECK
Rebuilt through PUSH industries no less CHECK
Avid BB7's CHECK
Reflector methodology CHECK
;) :D
Although what I taught you on the reflectors was not to go into the brake track :D (although you can totally get away with it on a disc equipped bike)

very nice.

i was gonna go with some BB7's, instead i got some Grimeca System 8's and have to install them still.

In the works is a Fox Vanilla RLC fork and if i go that i'm definatey getting a CK headset.

Let's see here:

Chris King headset CHECK
Fox Fork CHECK
Rebuilt through PUSH industries no less CHECK
Avid BB7's CHECK
Reflector methodology CHECK
;) :D
Although what I taught you on the reflectors was not to go into the brake track :D (although you can totally get away with it on a disc equipped bike)

heh heh heh
I wrapped them around the entire rim knowing full well that I could get away with it. My bike has always had disks. Before the BB7 set I had a set of crappy Shimanos.

The next thing I'm thinking of switching/upgrading my wheelset. The current reflector set I'll keep for commuting/in-city riding and I'm thinking of getting a new wheelset built sometime next year for my XC riding/racing. I am tempted by the matching pink CK hubs as the starting point but they are $$$. I think I'll get an improvement by reducing the weight of the wheelset. Not sure what the current one weighs but it feels heavy. Anyway, part of the upgrade-itis is for performance and part of it is for looks. A matching pink CK hub/wheelset would look really pretty.

I don't get why everyone is making CK out to be the bad guy for ONLY donating 2 dollars. True its not a lot compared to the price of headset but its a hell of a lot more than the other companies out there donating.....nothing. And at 140 dollars it's not too bad for the gauranteed ten years you have it. If you replace a cheap 20 dollar headset every year for ten years you're already at 200 dollars plus the oerformance just isnt there.

I don't get why everyone is making CK out to be the bad guy for ONLY donating 2 dollars. True its not a lot compared to the price of headset but its a hell of a lot more than the other companies out there donating.....nothing. And at 140 dollars it's not too bad for the gauranteed ten years you have it. If you replace a cheap 20 dollar headset every year for ten years you're already at 200 dollars plus the oerformance just isnt there.

I think the real value in the pink headset is not how much CK donated but the visibility it brings to the cause. I wrote this earlier (I think it was in this thread) that this pink headset has brought visibility to the cause of breast cancer awareness to a mountain bike forum. The more people are aware of it the more people will donate to the cause, the more women will self-examine, etc. etc.

There is a marketing aspect that CK gets from this but that's a by-product of the real benefit. We're talking about it, my bike now has a pink headset and I'll be sure to tell everyone why I have a pink headset in case they ask.