Hi everyone,

I have an older (early 90s) Raleigh mountain bike that I have owned since new and use it primarily for rails trails and general transportation (no actual mountain biking). I really like the bike but it has a headset problem. It has a 1 1/8 threaded headset which is developing play in it when braking. I cannot adjust all the movement out of it. I have cleaned and repacked the bearings which doesn't help it at all. This headset is a replacement model that was installed back in the late 90s and is a needle bearing type. So, I was going to replace it only to find out there is not a lot of options anymore in 1 1/8 threaded headsets. Chris Kings seem great, I like the cartridge bearing idea, however, they are rather expensive for a 20 year old bike. Other than that, there seems to only the Ritchey Logic available.

So, I have three questions, first, is a Chris King headset really that good? Is a Ritchey Logic headset good? I am super picky about looseness/play and overly stiff steering. Or, if I can convince myself to live with it, is a little play (1/16" or maybe less) in the headset when braking going to damage my fork/frame?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice!