I bought a Miche Primato headset last year when I found one cheap at an LBS and as I couldn't find myself a Stronglight A9 at the time.


It almost looks like a copy of the Stronglight JDX headset on the right, but the JDX does not rely on a conventional top lock nut and washer, instead it has a nylon upper layer on the upper nut to act like a giant Nylock on the steering tube.
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The Miche has the same type needle bearing race and bearing parts as you would find on Stronlights though. I'm wondering if Miche had to pay royalties to Stronglight to use their basic design for needle bearing headsets.
Comparing the Miche to the Stronglight, the Miche is frankly on the cheap side, with less finished looking races that seems to translate to a bit less smooth bearing action. The quality of the parts of the Miche feels very second tier, certainly below that of needle bearing Stronglight headset of any model, but I think it does not neccessarily mean it won't be reliable enough for most, because of the rugged needle bearing design.

Chombi