Originally Posted by
gerryl
I see no value whatsoever in high-end expensive components. Can someone tell me what a $130 Chris King headset does that a $30 headset doesn't do. Good mid-range components should last a lifetime, no need to spend more, unless your are satisfying some type of fetish.
Yes, I could. CK headsets seal out dirt and water. I went through 3 cheapie headsets before I put on a CK about 10 years ago. No trouble since. Caveat: I ride in the rain a lot and roads in my area are dirty, though nothing compared to Alaskan roads, where my chain needed replacement after 3 days. (It was already some worn.)