Headset suggestions?
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Headset suggestions?
My summer project is to build out an '09 Diamondback Response into a robust (not necessarily light) XC mountain bike on the semi-cheap. I picked up a new suspension fork, and am leaning toward getting a more heavy-duty headset than the OEM cheapy. It uses a 1 1/8" threadless with standard pressed-in cups (not zero stack or integrated). I don't know much about headsets, but am inclined toward simplicity, steel, and lower prices. I'm thinking I need to look for cro-mo cups rather than aluminum, and traditional bearings rather than cartridge.
I see cheap headsets in the $15 range, and headseats over $100. I'm dubious of the former, and would prefer to spend less than the latter -- any suggestions?
I see cheap headsets in the $15 range, and headseats over $100. I'm dubious of the former, and would prefer to spend less than the latter -- any suggestions?
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That name rings a bell - I'll check it out, thanks!
I've also just been looking at Crank Brothers Iodine AM SL Directset and Iodine AM C Directset -- any opinions on these (the latter is about $60).
I've also just been looking at Crank Brothers Iodine AM SL Directset and Iodine AM C Directset -- any opinions on these (the latter is about $60).
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Thanks, guys. rep - the FSA tech manual I downloaded also shows the Pig having both cups of steel. Looks like I'll be going for a Pig!
#8
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Being aluminum on the outside does not mean the Ball races are of aluminum,
I have a Campag super record threaded 1" .. those races are Hardened
ground and polished steel, imbedded in an aluminum part.
I have a Campag super record threaded 1" .. those races are Hardened
ground and polished steel, imbedded in an aluminum part.
#9
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Honestly I'd just keep the cheap original headset. It's steel, it should hold up. I've never actually seen a headset fail before. What are you planning to do to this bike?
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In examining the bike, looks like the original top cup is not quite fully pressed in (not fully seated), and I recently got a deal on a much nicer suspension fork from ChainLove, so I figured I'd install a nice quality headset. Other than that, I'm just installing mechanical discs in place of the V brakes, and grip shifters. The idea is to have a beefy off-road bike for the hills, trails, mud, etc.
I found a deal for the Crank Brothers Iodine SL (stainless) for about $30 more than the Pig; that's just within my budget, so I think I'll try that and see if fancier headsets are all they're cracked up to be.
However, my long-term project bike is a Trek 8000 ZX. If I can't find the parts to rebuild its shock, I'll be swapping in an unused fork. I've got it mostly stripped down, but haven't removed the fork and checked out the headset/bearing details yet. If it needs a new headset, the Pig or Pig DH Pro look decent.
I found a deal for the Crank Brothers Iodine SL (stainless) for about $30 more than the Pig; that's just within my budget, so I think I'll try that and see if fancier headsets are all they're cracked up to be.
However, my long-term project bike is a Trek 8000 ZX. If I can't find the parts to rebuild its shock, I'll be swapping in an unused fork. I've got it mostly stripped down, but haven't removed the fork and checked out the headset/bearing details yet. If it needs a new headset, the Pig or Pig DH Pro look decent.
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