How do you choose a headset?
02-02-10, 12:48 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Posts: 376
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How do you choose a headset?
Every bike of or frame I've ever bought came with a headset. So I've never had to worry about it. I just used what it came with.
Now I'm building up a bike for my gf and it didn't come with a headset! Are all headsets created equal? What makes a good headset 'good'? And what headset do I even have to get for a Van Dessel Rivet? I see all this stuff about threads/no-threads, integrated/non-integrated, different diameters...and on top of that, this bike's head tube tapers so it's wider towards the bottom.
Any help/advice?
Thanks!!!
Now I'm building up a bike for my gf and it didn't come with a headset! Are all headsets created equal? What makes a good headset 'good'? And what headset do I even have to get for a Van Dessel Rivet? I see all this stuff about threads/no-threads, integrated/non-integrated, different diameters...and on top of that, this bike's head tube tapers so it's wider towards the bottom.
Any help/advice?
Thanks!!!
02-02-10, 12:52 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 856
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you don't know the difference between threaded and threadless headsets you might want to have a look at Sheldon Brown's site for a primer before you spend any money.
Once you know what variety you need specifically, then worry about brands and which are better than others.
Once you know what variety you need specifically, then worry about brands and which are better than others.
02-02-10, 12:55 PM
#3
Banned.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,669
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Where did you get the frame and what kind of frame is it?
That company should list (and probably sells) compatible headsets. I agree, take a look at Sheldon Brown's website to learn yourself up on headsets. Thing is, if it's an integrated headset, you don't really have too many options.
Ultimately going to the manufactures website should give you some insight, or provide us with more details and we can most likely as well.
That company should list (and probably sells) compatible headsets. I agree, take a look at Sheldon Brown's website to learn yourself up on headsets. Thing is, if it's an integrated headset, you don't really have too many options.
Ultimately going to the manufactures website should give you some insight, or provide us with more details and we can most likely as well.
02-02-10, 12:57 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: baltimore
Posts: 1,663
Bikes: Pake Track; Bianchi XL EV2 El Reparto Corse, Kona Jake the Snake
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What does that fork look like that came with the frame? That will be a good starting point to see if you need a threaded vs threadless headset. Once you figure that out, you will know what style headset to get.
Here is more information about installation
Threaded
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127
Threadless
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
Here is more information about installation
Threaded
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127
Threadless
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65
02-02-10, 01:14 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Posts: 376
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok...so it's definitely threadless. The steerer tube has no threads on it. The bike is a Van Dessel Rivet. Couldn't find info on their site.
02-02-10, 01:26 PM
#6
Banned.
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,669
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-02-10, 01:44 PM
#7
My grammar sucks.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 488
Bikes: Merlin Extralight, Colnago Crystal, Serotta Club Special
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you look at technical specs for a dozen different headsets, then you buy a chris king.
02-02-10, 01:52 PM
#8
Making a kilometer blurry
I just get the cheapest one that fits. Usually entry-level Cane Creek or Ritchey. There's not much to it. The thing won't even ever see a full rotation once the bike is built. Note that this is race equipment for me, not just commuting or some such -- headsets just don't matter unless you have some major climbs or you're going for looks.
02-02-10, 01:55 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Posts: 376
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just get the cheapest one that fits. Usually entry-level Cane Creek or Ritchey. There's not much to it. The thing won't even ever see a full rotation once the bike is built. Note that this is race equipment for me, not just commuting or some such -- headsets just don't matter unless you have some major climbs or you're going for looks.
02-02-10, 01:55 PM
#10
Lost
I just get the cheapest one that fits. Usually entry-level Cane Creek or Ritchey. There's not much to it. The thing won't even ever see a full rotation once the bike is built. Note that this is race equipment for me, not just commuting or some such -- headsets just don't matter unless you have some major climbs or you're going for looks.
02-02-10, 02:55 PM
#11
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,803
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1160 Post(s)
Liked 838 Times
in
557 Posts
I just get the cheapest one that fits. Usually entry-level Cane Creek or Ritchey. There's not much to it. The thing won't even ever see a full rotation once the bike is built. Note that this is race equipment for me, not just commuting or some such -- headsets just don't matter unless you have some major climbs or you're going for looks.
Because you might care about saving 10 grams. I don't
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
02-02-10, 03:12 PM
#12
Making a kilometer blurry
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gus6464
Bicycle Mechanics
10
08-09-20 11:31 AM
PeteVan
Road Cycling
1
04-11-15 03:20 PM
illdthedj
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
15
10-29-10 03:54 PM
