BMX - 1-1/8" Headset recommendation

did a search...couldn't find anything.

what all around, durable headset do you guys recommend? price is not a problem. i do not think i want a CK HS...so other than this brand?

thanks!

I prefer the FSA Pig. Several varieties are available, from big balls to fully sealed.

I prefer the FSA Pig. Several varieties are available, from big balls to fully sealed.
what do you think of the CK steel headset with a long "skirt"? it seems like a lot of extra prep of the head tube...plus it might not ever come out of there again!!

That's for hardcore use. Definitely overkill.

I always had trouble with breaking berrings in my bottom cup, but then I got an FSA Pig. No problems, not once. I love it, and I think you will too.

thanks guys! i have no problem with FSA...so i'll definitely look into them for my little project!

No worries.

That's for hardcore use. Definitely overkill.

Not to mention the ridiculous price. Besides, FSA makes a Pig with deep cups for downhill bikes that'll have both stronger bearings and be cheaper.

The best regular (that is, press-in) 1-1/8" headset is the Solid, in my opinion. It's lightweight, relatively cheap ($55 at Empire, if I remember correctly), uses unsealed roller bearings that are difficult to break but run smooth, and looks good.

CK makes a titanium headset - $250. But if I got one, it would cold weld itself to the head tube of our tandem. That's why I chose the $22 Pig.

Ti Prep!

Still a gamble. It's not like you can take it out every other month and slap more prep on.

Trojan Magnum!

Not to mention the ridiculous price. Besides, FSA makes a Pig with deep cups for downhill bikes that'll have both stronger bearings and be cheaper.

The best regular (that is, press-in) 1-1/8" headset is the Solid, in my opinion. It's lightweight, relatively cheap ($55 at Empire, if I remember correctly), uses unsealed roller bearings that are difficult to break but run smooth, and looks good.
thanks!

when you say roller bearings, do you mean tapered roller bearings like on dirt bikes or wheel bearings on cars? i always wondered why these are not more prevalent in head set design.

i will try to find that one you mentioned above.

are deep cups not worth it on a bmx sized bikes no matter how hard it is used??

thanks beerman! that HS you mentioned is exactly what i have been searching for!!! i just found it online. it looks just like a motorcycle set up...well almost. i like the tapered roller design even if its not any better. i like the simplistic look of it as well. i noted the additional locking ring that looks to sit below the stem.

i think i am going to get it.

It most definitely is better. It's harder than hell to break those things, they're lighter weight and lower profile than normal bearings, and they're not nearly as messy because you only have to grease two sides, as opposed to slathering Finish Line (or Phil Wood or whatever you use) all over the ball-bearings.

The only downfall is the locking ring, actually; Cane Creek patented it, and successfully sued Solid, which is why they don't produce them anymore. Luckily, Empire stockpiled them while the lawsuit was ongoing.

edit: And deep cups are pointless. They cost more, weigh more, and don't add that much strength. Usually when you break a headset in BMX, you either kill the bearings or you crack the cup at the lip.

It most definitely is better. It's harder than hell to break those things, they're lighter weight and lower profile than normal bearings, and they're not nearly as messy because you only have to grease two sides, as opposed to slathering Finish Line (or Phil Wood or whatever you use) all over the ball-bearings.

The only downfall is the locking ring, actually; Cane Creek patented it, and successfully sued Solid, which is why they don't produce them anymore. Luckily, Empire stockpiled them while the lawsuit was ongoing.

edit: And deep cups are pointless. They cost more, weigh more, and don't add that much strength. Usually when you break a headset in BMX, you either kill the bearings or you crack the cup at the lip.
So do you think EMPIRE still has collars? they are in south africa!! has this been a problem when ordering from them?

i found the HS at DANSCOMP too, but i don't know if they would have the collar. i have always liked the idea of roller bearings. in fact, i have inquired about them at the MTB forum and most people knocked them. they didn't think they were necessary nor worth it. no one seemed to really know if they existed.

i agree with you though...i definitely think they're better. plus that is what i am used to. i was disappointed to see bicycles not use them when i started to get more into my MTB.

solid headset
best out there
if your gonna get one and you dont get this one you wasted your money

i have a pig DH pro, im not familiar with the solid. if i ever destroy my pig, which i find unlikely, ill try a solid!

too bad they're out of production. guess i need to get one anyways..

So do you think EMPIRE still has collars? they are in south africa!! has this been a problem when ordering from them?

South Africa? Huh? Empire is in Austin, Texas. And, yes, they still come with the collars (although the upper race from a Pig also works, if you find the grub screw on the collar difficultto work with).

http://www.empirebmx.com

South Africa? Huh? Empire is in Austin, Texas. And, yes, they still come with the collars (although the upper race from a Pig also works, if you find the grub screw on the collar difficultto work with).

http://www.empirebmx.com
oops...i did a google and i ended up here :D

http://www.empire.co.za/solid/solid%20headset.html

the upper race of a PIG works?? does the PIG use taper rollers as well?? i didn't realize they did

No, the Pig uses ball bearings. It just so happens that the contact angles on the races are the same (or at least so similar that it's negligible).

get tank headset

Youre joking, right? The Tank is heavier and less durable than either the Pig or the Solid.

get the god damn solid. stop asking questions.

get the god damn solid. stop asking questions.

You can never be to sure when making a purchase.

get the god damn solid. stop asking questions.
hope you weren't talking to me