Headset reccomendations
 

Although i would like to get a king, i just can't spend that kind of money on a headset considering all the other parts i need to buy. So here's the question, what can i get for less money that is, maybe, one step down from a king? I did a search and the only thing i found were arguments about whether the king is worth the money. There were very few alternatives suggested.

Fsa

they're all pretty much the same in the beginnin, nice and smooth.
Its just a matter of how long they stay that way.
I personally run a c-record cup cone headset. I can say that campy grease lasts FOREVER.
(it was in storage for 10 + years and its still feels like butter)

yea, listen to eyefloater.

campy record

Pardon me, but I don't think anything is one step down from a king, maybe two or three. Just get whatever headset is cheapest from nashbar/performance,ebay, blah blah blah, and get a new one when it starts to get a bit grooved. You will still save money, even if you don't do the work yourself. On a side note, I have two kings, a dura ace, a campy record, a zeus, and two cane creeks, among others. they have all been fine. in the words of Digital Underground, "Dowatchyalike"

yea. true that. ride it to the ground. after a few, you'll appreciate and maby even decide it is worth to ride king.

my personal rule is buy the best that you can afford.

Threaded or Threadless?

no question, campy record. rediculously smooth, probably smoother than a king. however, it is caged bearing, and will need to be maintained and adjusted. i think they retail for $80, but can be had for far less, especially on ebay.

if you're absolutely sold on sealed cartridge bearing, then the cane creek solos is a reasonable alternative.

I've got a Dura Ace on my road bike. Feels great after 9 years.

I've got a king on one bike and a dura ace on another. The dura ace gets more, a lot more, use and is just fine and about 1/2 the price of a king. But king's are pretty swell...

105 is a great HS for the dough

i now have 2 kings and a dura-ace. i ran a cane creek into the ground in about 16 months.

Da