Recently I bought a Cane Creek S1 headset for a new project bike. Because the S* line has been discontinued by Cane Creek, I had to buy from a liquidator. I can't figure out if I received an OEM or retail product. It came in the retail type plastic bag and with retail instructions, but without a box.

I've previously used an aluminum cupped S3 in an aluminum frame bike. The new project is a steel frame for which I wanted the steel cups of the S1. And I wanted the two bikes to match in a way. Hence, the purchase of the S1.

Anyway, the S1 I received did not come with a shim seal. This is a flat disc that sits above the split washer, but under the top cap. The exploded view in the instructions shows the shim seal.

Does the S1 not come with a shim seal despite the diagram? Was the shim seal left out of just the unit I received? Is this some sort of quasi OEM stock that was assembled into retail form without the seal?

I'll probably buy an S3 from which to scavenge the seal. I'll keep the rest as spare parts.

(I seem to always have bad luck with headsets. I have to buy two to get one that works for me.)

Sure sounds like you missed out.

Really doesn`t matter if the S1 was brand new or OE - the seal is part of the package. Suggest you contact the seller and insist you get what you paid for.

OK.

Giggle! That's not really possible with this seller. The only options would be return for exchange, or return for refund. An exchange might have the same issue - the seller is not able to inspect outgoing product. A return would leave me needing the steel S1 cups.

While perusing some Cane Creek tech docs I just realized that I can scavenge a seal from a wrecked bike. That's kind of fitting because this project replaces that bike.

I would be tempted to return for refund and look around at other suppliers. Pricepoint https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/189...dset-Black.htm and Jensonusa both still seem to be carrying S-line cane creek headsets.

Yeah, good luck with that.

Without retail boxing usually indicates grey market. On top of that the headset is worth about $10 wholesale, and on top of that it's discontinued and no longer made.

The fact that the OP specifically sought it out over, in production headsets mean one of two things:

1) The OP is cheap
2)

Actually I can't think of the second possible reason.

Shipping to return the headset will cost more than the headset is worth.

Well guys - I guess in this situation you can either roll over and play dead - or try for some satisfaction. The first step would normally be to contact customer service and report missing parts. Some places are set up to forward you a prepaid shipping box, a return authorization number, and all you need to do is make a trip to the post office. On a small purchase - some companies will simply refund any charges made to your credit card and not even ask that you return the defective item.

But if you don`t do anything - you fall in the 905 of consumers that never complain even when they know they should.

Good solution, OP.