There are other cartridge headsets that are almost if not as good, for less. Cane Creek, Oh Race face!

i've been thinking about replacing my fsa orbit with a nothreadset somewhere down the road, so i can just "set it and forget it" ;) i'm just hoping it's about the same size.

Chris King is still a waste of money. And I have two of their headsets on two of my bikes that I purchased literally 10 years ago. I'm happy with mine. However, their competitors have caught up. 15 years ago, they were hands down the best. And they still have nice sealed cartridge bearings. But now, so does Cane Creek, FSA, and others. In fact, I like the Cane Creek's better.

yes, even if you don't use it, sell it on ebay.

buyers are _all over_ used CK headsets and they go for stupid prices. i've unloaded several used CK headsets (including headsets in good shape, but with thousands of miles of them) for $60-90.

Hmmm. Interesting. Nice tip for brunning. I should do that and sell my own CK headsets on Ebay. The CK headsets are good and everything. I'm just tired of CK's arrogance that theirs is the best (not anymore) and their general anti-Asian sentiment.

I lucked out and scored one in mint shape for $55, but yeah, 1" especially tend to go for $75+. bellweatherman, you mention that they're not the best anymore -- who do you think is?

I had a Nuke Proof on my old Klein which was absolutely great... but other than FSA I don't know what else much is out there new.

I've been a Cane Creek guy for the past few years. But 2 recent frames that I picked up had CK's on them......these things are solid, I doubt I'll ever need another headset for either of these bikes.

I agree. I have two of them. I can't tell any difference between them and the Campy Record HS on my fixie that I bought to save 50 bucks. I don't regret that, save for the fact that I'd rather have kept my money in the US. Overkill and one of those things people get for prestige.

"Hmmm. Interesting. Nice tip for brunning. I should do that and sell my own CK headsets on Ebay. The CK headsets are good and everything. I'm just tired of CK's arrogance that theirs is the best (not anymore) and their general anti-Asian sentiment."

you were the one hating on phil bb's too, weren't ya? what's up with the anti-american sentiment?

my bikes have euro, asian, US and canadian parts :) .... and brit parts as well (never could see the brits as euro irt bike parts)

Every Cane Creek I've worked with has been cruddy as all hell.

The jewelry comment amuzed me. My fiance worked in a jewelry store, and she bought me a CK headset for Christmas two years ago. Some of the other employees looked at it and said " $100, it's just a piece of metal"

she'd be a keeper!

I just found out my gf bought me hubs. :) *swoon*

Ditto that. My bikes also have Euro, Asia, and USA parts. Who would've ever thought you could buy Campy Record and SAVE 50 bucks! It looks like there are many others that are figuring out that CK headsets are a waste of money. Framebuilder Steve Garn or Brew cycles is man enough to say so on his own website. He builds road, mtn, cyclocross, BMX, et al.

directly from his website: "Chris King headset (waste of money)"
scroll down to the pic of the rear dropouts on the blue single-speed cruiser
http://www.brewracingframes.com/id31.htm

On the same bike he also lists the following as wastes of money:
Paul Love brake lever
Paul V-brakes
Thomson Seat Post
Profile Cog

I think he means it more in the sense of "more money was spent than was absolutely necessary".

It's not worthless. Great headsets. But not that great for the money. I have my own price and I can get as good a headset for considerably cheaper. But, some on you would give your left nut for anything with King written on it. Not slamming you, but CK isn't the only headset in the game. And certainly not the "king" anymore.