Ritchey WCS headsets?
 

Howdy,

I need to pick up a couple of half-decent 1" threaded headsets. I was thinking about getting the Nashbar threaded models, but they are no longer available. I'm curious if anyone has had experience with the Ritchey WCS model? I know the Ritchey Logic models get less than favorable reviews, so I'm curious if this deeee-luxe model fairs better.

Other suggestions in the sub-$50 range are always welcome. Preferably cartridge models...

I've had real good luck w the Shimano 105 headsets. You can usually get them for around $40 or under.

The Cane Creek s2 fits your needs. Typically about $49, 1", cartridge. I've been running mine for a year now and no problems. A very solid headset.

is Cane Creek S2 available in a threaded version?

Not as far as I know. Are you opting for a threaded cartridge?

i'm not sure how much they are new, but i've come across some of the sealed cartridge bearing 1" threaded dura-ace (7410) and ultegra and/or 600 headsets on ebay for a decent prices. under 50 for sure. I have a dura-ace one on my road bike and i absolutely love it.

Never tried the WCS, but the logic ones are absolute crap. They must make their bearing races out of cheese. I've got a shimano 600 cartridge type-same as the 105 I think that has 10's of thousands of km on it, plus a few winters. Still smooth.

Shhhh! Those were already in my watchlist...

the shimano 1" threaded models all seem to be great.
I'm running an old STX that i picked up NOS for under $20 CAD. It's pretty smooth. 105's are a decent bang for the buck headset.
you can surely get an Ultegra for under $50. and maybe even a DA.

I've also got a DA track specific one lying around unused too. it's not cartridge though.

other than that, I hear torelli makes nice 1" threaded headset with needle roller bearings for around $50.

I have a threadless 1/8th Ritchey WCS headset. It came with a lifetime warranty and cartridge style bearings. So far it has been holding up great. Has about 10,000 miles on it and is still as smooth as on the first day.

oops... sorry. i deleted my post.

speaking of shimano threaded sealed headsets... does anyone know of a site where i can pick up parts for them? i have a shimano 600 sealed headset that is only missing the fork crown race. i also have a caged bearing 105 one that needs the lower dust seal...

2nd the vote for the 105s, normally can find 'em cheap somewhere. Once they're dialed in they stay. Does exactly what you'd expect it to do. Very minimal graphics as well.

Rivendell has a high opinion of the Richey WCS headset, they say "They're light, sealed, pro quality, as good as any"
See http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/headsets/30020.html

Also you can get Campy threaded headsets under 50 quid, which are lovely and really loose ball bearings are only a pain if you're not expecting them. Otherwise I think they're easier to deal with than cartridge bearings cause ball bearings are cheap and readily available.

Overhaul evey 6-12 months and you'll be set for a very long time.

perfect! thanks.

Sorry for the 1" threaded/threadless confusion! I just noticed that...

Tange Levin CDS (ISO) - I have been riding this for over a year with no problems. Caged bearings, all metal construction (none of the plastic stuff seen on some ritchey/shimano parts).