good budget headsets?
 

I'm starting my first build that involves a threadless headset and I could use some recommendations. It's a Soma Van Ness frameset, if that makes a difference. Ideally I would like to find a good headset for $50 or less, but since I've only ever worked with old 10-speeds that use quill stems I could use some education from you guys. Thanks!

Used Chris King
FSA Orbit X
Cane Creek 40
VP Comp

I've been really happy with my Velo Orange headsets, although they're right around the top of your $50 price range. I've found the 1 1/8 threadless VO headset to be every bit as smooth and durable as my King headset over the last year of use comparing the two.

you should be able to buy a ritchey logic V2 or comp V2 for about $20~30

Happy with my Cane Creek headsets. Light, inexpensive, holds the fork on the bike.

is this the one you're talking about?
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...s-headset.html

The VO headset looks a lot like the silver Orbit X I installed on my Soma Rush.

+1 For Cane Creek. I put a S-3 on an IRO and it was very very nice. I think I paid like $30 for it from Jensonusa.com. Definitely worth checking out. They come in black and silver too.

tell you the truth, the headset isnt a part you should drop a lot of cash for... as long as its a name brand, cane creek, FSA, ritchey, er whatever, its going to last longer than the bike... headsets are hard as f*ck to ruin

unless one screws up the install... Just sayin. The LBS and their wonderful headset press is your friend.

QFT...

they also shouldn't charge you much to install it either...

yeah, the mechanic at my LBS has never charged me more than $5 for stuff like that and is pretty helpful with showing me what to do so I can try it on my own the next go round.

Cane Creek S-3 best headset for the money....

Cane Creek 40 series is equiv to the S-3. Don't think they make S-3 anymore but you can still find them online just about everywhere

Yeah, I picked one up on closeout for $30 about a year ago. Still haven't used it, since the cheap stock headset on my Kilo WT hasn't died yet and the Soma Rush I built recently needed 1" threadless. My Salsa Caserroll came with an S-3, and it's a very smooth and durable headset.

good to know though I don't think I'll be replacing mine anytime soon

I love that frameset. You should post some of your progress over in the Soma/Pake Lounge

Er, you talking to me or someone else ? I've already posted my Rush several times in your thread. Really, the only change since then is I've slapped on a second bottle cage for longer rides. I'm happy with the setup as it is and don't plan any changes.

I was talking to the OP. He said he got a Soma Van Ness.

Never mind. :o

Yup. I've got that one on my Cross Check that I use for commuting and LD rides, and I have the 1" threaded version on an old Trek 400.

it just arrived today and it's a beautiful, why don't more companies make lugged frames? I'll definitely post there once I get it going next week.

Another vote for the VO or CC40. My new Handsome has the VO and the M80 has the CC40. I've never had an issue with the 40.

+1 cane creek s-3 (or whatever, 40 if that's what it is now)

if you want a headset that will last a long time just look for one with a cartridge bearing in the lower cup. that is the bearing theat takes all the abuse. then if it ever gets fouled up you can just replace the bearing.

most headsets will last a long time but beware of SUPER cheap headsets. i have pitted a couple $10 tange headsets in a couple months of use.