Cyclocross - Difference between "road" and "mountain" headsets

What is the difference between a road designated and a mountain designated headset? And which goes on a cross bike?

Your mom. And, your mom.

Your mom. And, your mom.

Your mother to you as well, good sir!


(the natives are communicating!)

I'm sorry, I was being cheeky.

There is no true distinction between road and mountain headsets. You just need a headset that is the correct size and type for your fork and frame. Almost all bikes being made these days use a threadless 1-1/8" steerer tube.

Long story short...there is no difference.




p.s. your mom.

I'm sorry, I was being cheeky.

There is no true distinction between road and mountain headsets. You just need a headset that is the correct size and type for your fork and frame. Almost all bikes being made these days use a threadless 1-1/8" steerer tube.

it's all good.

I was just wondering, because the LBS has both the cane creek S2 ("road") and S3 ("mountain") for the same price, and in the 1 1/8" size. And it seems like, if there was a difference, that the things which would be advantageous to a mountain bike (durability, ability to function in mud) would also be better for a cross bike, but the mechanic was like "i have no idea what the difference is. but cross bikes come built with road headsets."

Yikes. Find a different LBS.

Here is what Cane Creek says about the S-2:
"Who rides it: Mountain bikers and road riders who appreciate the difference a superior sealed headset can make in steering precision and longevity."
http://www.canecreek.com/S-2-Headset.html

Yikes. Find a different LBS.

Here is what Cane Creek says about the S-2:
"Who rides it: Mountain bikers and road riders who appreciate the difference a superior sealed headset can make in steering precision and longevity."
http://www.canecreek.com/S-2-Headset.html

That link also says the S-2 is 1"

That link also says the S-2 is 1"

hm. yes it does. weird. i asked about it over the phone, they probably didn't actually go look at anything.

The differences are generally miniscule. If anything, on headsets marketed for MTB use, the portion of the headset cups that get pressed into the headtubes will usually be longer with the tradeoff being higher weight due to more material needed (though the weight increase is pretty negligible). Also, the bearings may be better sealed.

And yu0r momz. :D

That link also says the S-2 is 1"

The S-2 is a 1" threadless headset. The S-3 is the 1 1/8" equivalent.

That link also says the S-2 is 1"Unfortunate choice of mine, then. The point was that a headset isn't "mountain" or "road".

The road set would be advertised as being ultra light while the MTB unit would highlight its robustness. They're both employing the same time tested technology.

And your sister too.

I have used the S2 on both road and mtb. It works fine. If you look at any online bike store, they don't categorize headsets as road or mountain the way they do with other parts. I would think the S3 is a better piece, so if they are the same price, get that one.

If anything, on headsets marketed for MTB use, the portion of the headset cups that get pressed into the headtubes will usually be longer with the tradeoff being higher weight due to more material needed (though the weight increase is pretty negligible).

Pretty much spot on. A road headset will be 15g lighter which will make you 0.002 mph faster, assuming that it's tough enough to survive whatever it is you're going to subject it to. I'm through screwing around. I buy the tougher ones.