Touring - Threaded 1" Headset for touring

I just got my BJ World Tour. It is beautiful. However, it takes a threaded headset, and I don't want to carry around a big obnoxious headset wrench on a loaded bike. Anybody know of any threaded headsets that elegantly avoid the need for this tool?

Thanks

Just get a Chris King, then you'll never have to mess with it. Besides, it should be standard equipment on a nice bike like that :D

If you hate threaded that much, go 1" threadless. Not terribly common, but they do exist. It would require a new fork.

I have had a Chis King 1 inch threaded headset on my bike for 18 years- no adjustments needed.

I think I've adjusted my non-chrisking headsets pretty much once and they all seem to stay fine. How long are you planning on touring?

Universal has a Shimano 105 with sealed bearings for $34. I would save my dollars for better bags or something like that before spending $100+ on a headset.

I think I've adjusted my non-chrisking headsets pretty much once and they all seem to stay fine. How long are you planning on touring?
Yeah, my no name headset was adjusted 6000+ miles (4244 on the TA and the rest at home) ago and is still fine. Unless you are going somewhere really remote I wouldn't worry.

The thing that keeps King headsets from going out of adjustment is a simple allen key fitting on the locking nut. These are available for other headsets for something in the neighborhood of $5. I think Rivendell sells them. Once installed, no worries.

The thing that keeps King headsets from going out of adjustment is a simple allen key fitting on the locking nut. These are available for other headsets for something in the neighborhood of $5. I think Rivendell sells them. Once installed, no worries.

you'd be a gentleman and a scholar if you gave me a link

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/headsets#product=30-016

hey thanks! does somebody who owns one want to vouch for them?

stronglight A9 - roller bearings and cheap. Too bad they are discontinuing them :(

Threaded headsets do not just go out of adjustment unless they were installed incorrectly. Even then, there is no reason to take big tools along with you. You should be able to borrow the necessary tools in any town should you need them. It doesn't take special tools to do the job.

Threaded headsets do not just go out of adjustment unless they were installed incorrectly. Even then, there is no reason to take big tools along with you. You should be able to borrow the necessary tools in any town should you need them. It doesn't take special tools to do the job.

you are a bicycle repairman?

here you go: http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=12350&page=PARK+TOOL+RW-1+ROAD+WRENCH

I really like the old Mavic headsets. They adjust by hand, and lock down with a small allen key. Nice looking too. You have to hunt, but you can still find them.

Threaded headsets do not just go out of adjustment unless they were installed incorrectly. Even then, there is no reason to take big tools along with you. You should be able to borrow the necessary tools in any town should you need them. It doesn't take special tools to do the job.
+1 Mine get adjusted any time I repack the bearings and never in between. On the special tools, that depends on the headset, but with most you can get it on and adjusted well enough to get you to a bike shop with a big cresent wrench.

My Chris King 1" threaded headset came loose during a tour. I had to continually hand tighten the damn thing until I asked a truck driver if I could borrow his large adjustable wrench.

I blame myself for not properly tightening the headset in the first place.

Threaded headsets should stay put if you install them properly.

I have a short 32mm/15mm wrench that has two holes drilled into so it mount under the water bottle cage. Great for both petals and headsets, maybe 250 grams? Great for touring