JoBaram

hi,
Soon I will have an Ellsworth Moment frame.
I have 1 1/8" threadless, 10mm insertion alloy cups, cartridge bearing headset I am taking from my previuos Specialized stumpjumper bikes.
Every ones talking about the Chris King headset as a must have for an elite bikes.
Can you tell me what makes a good headset so importent to spend more then 100$ for?
Thanks

bruiser2

The Chris King will last you basically as long as you want it io. They are also made with more precision than any other headset. I personally don't see the point of spending quite so much for what a headset does but thats just me.

shane45

I agree. I have never found the need for a top-of-the-line headset either.

I have, however, seen and felt some real junk as original equipment. An upgrade to a mid-priced unit is the ticket in that case.

LowCel 

I have a King on my roadie, primarily for the bling factor. On my mountain bikes I use FSA headsets. I think that the FSA Orbit XL II is just as nice of a headset as a king, just not quite as pretty and not nearly as expensive.

swifferman

Finally! Someone who admits it!

But if you don't bling out that bike, you don't deserve to bling out anything!

lala

^^ Indeed. I would probably go for the bling on that frame...but that's just me.

bobflyer

for me.. i just want piece of mind.. thats why i use chris king headsets.. just put on and forget.. thats what i like..

nodnerb

Yeah, I can't justify spending that much on headset alone either. I went for a Cane Creek. They make awesome headsets and have a good range of sealed headsets. I bought a Cane Creek S6 new off ebay for under $60 and it retails at well over $100.

gm1230126

I've had the same combination of two headsets on my xc hardtail for 14 years. I run a Deore XT Crown race, bottom cup and bearing (which is 1/4" ball bearings by the way) and then I have a Tioga Alchemy alloy top cup, race and bearing. The 1/4 ball bearings in the lower are the key, they just take the popunding better. This combination has been totally trouble free. I don't see the need to spend $60-$130 on a headset. If you dial it in right to start with and check it after the first couple rides to makes sure it's remains adjusted correctly you shouldn't have any problems. I have other bikes that I've had for decades with $14-$19 headsets that have never had problems.

the wonginator

cheap works perfect. my friends bmx and MTB both run off the cheapest yet insanely durable FSA Pig

Maelstrom 

FSA Pig or Pig DH (for the guys who go big) by far and away the best bang for your buck headsets.

I might buy a king someday, that same day I but really expensive cranks and king hubs. Pimp my ride

skyfish

Go ahead get a Chris King, you won't regret. Trust me I have it on my Moment.

nodnerb

I've never even actually felt a half decent headset(even some pretty cheap ones) that doesn't feel tight and smooth. I don't think you need to spend alot to find a headset that has a butter-like feel. I guess the real issue is getting into sealed vs. non sealed, weight, and durability as prices go up. A good brand headset should last many many years if maintained(if required), and you don't FAR exceed it's intended use. As you go up in price, alot of headsets go to angular contact bearings rather than ball bearings, or even jsut larger bearings becasue it expands the contact point area. Not sure what king uses though. Looks like it would be large ball bearings.