You can use normal 32 mm tools for these headsets.
I would not recommended the 600 ax. Mine only lasted a few months.
The Stronlgight A9 (with needlebearings) is my favorite headset. They are very light, last almost forever and the bearings are easy to replace.

I like the look of the mavic Headsets. might not be too bad with a threadless adapter

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493955

Hear! Hear!

Cut to the chase:

1. What is ugly?

2. What bike is it going on... Pictures please.

3. What is the Stack Height capacity of the frame?

4. How much do you want to spend?

Answering those questions will narrow down your choices to what's available and... what will work. ;)


Easy way to determine Stack Height (read instructions below the 2 pictures in this Flickr link):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/282672...57625424641013


Pictures from the link above:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493958 http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493959


verktyg :50:

Chas.

clearly beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if you want the least bulky option for a 1" threaded take a look at the Tange Passage. it's a triple seal low stack headset, very well priced, really gets out of the way. I was in a bind with a steerer tube that was to short a while back, the Passage was the smallest option I could find.

make sure you get the right raceway size btw, 26.4mm or 27mm

I'd worry more about finding one that was functional. I.E. Races designed to keep water and contaminants out. Perhaps also considering sealed cartridge bearings.

This American Classic on E-Bay looks nice, but a bit expensive. And, although it has clean lines, it still is a bit bulky.
American Classic Headset 1" Threaded SEALED Bearing Vintage Bicycle | eBay

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jnoAAO...BI/s-l1600.jpg

Thanks for all the replies! I suppose "less ugly" would have a lower stack height. For those of you saying ugly is subjective, well, this is true. A headset which did catch my eye was the Aheadset TD1. I think this has the lowest stack height of any threaded headset I've come across.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=494025

Does anyone have any experience with Aheadset? They're manufactured by Cane Creek as far as I'm aware.

If it's the c-record type that's more round and conical than nut shaped I'd be interested (if OP isn't)

Of course, smallest stack height only works if your frame has a similarly small stack height, or you can get your steerer tube shortened safely.

Edit: or you don't mind adding spacers (sort of defeating the whole purpose of the small stack height...)