Bike Forums - headset quality differences

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"Why would I spend $120 on a headset? I can get six FSA headsets for that price."

"Yeah, but a $120 headset will last ten years."

"So will six FSA headsets."

". . . "

If you're buying a headset to last ten years and multiple frames, go for it. But remember, you're also buying into that technology - better hope your next few frames require the same headset.

the only time you should ever spend $200 on a headset is if you've won a lottery, worth over $1 million

I belive country of origin may have alot to do with it too. Quality U.S. labor comes at a cost.

Not necessary...

Many Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers make their products with high quality and low tolerances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vixtor (Post 11307931)

Not necessary...

Many Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers make their products with high quality and low tolerances.

Never said they didn't I'm saying they do it alot cheaper..

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirohsima (Post 11305268)

Not to sound like a CK shill, but Chris King is more like MIT Cable and not Monster Cable.

Monster Cable has over-priced, underengineered, "bigger is better" cables. Their cables also "color" the sound rather than transmitting the signal unadultered.

Just because its relatively expensive does not mean its overpriced. King HS's and some of their other components are the measure by which many other bike components are often judged.

"Value" is really in the eye of beholder.

Yeah, digital sound is sooo much better through quality copper.

Now I wonder, does Chris King actually make the bearings in their headsets or buy them in from a bearing manufacturer and just have a CNC machine churning out housings?

The great thing is I just picked up a bunch of brand new touring parts for a bargain, I'll be able to sell the Chris King headset included amongst them for a good price and buy two great headsets that I need and still have a bunch of change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hairnet (Post 19368946)

7 years later...

Yeah, I only thought of that later... Derp, looking for a couple of new headsets and this came up in a result of a search...

I'd say the real difference is I cant afford a CK headset on my janky builds :P

after pitting the bearings in tons of cheapo loose ball headsets and having to replace them when the indexing got too bad for me to stand; i now just try to find the cheapest headsets that have replaceable cartridge bearings.

on a roadbike i doubt you'd ever kill one but offroad they sometimes crap out; if you have replaceable bearings swapping them is super painless. problem with this is; the replacement bearings often cost more than a new headset. if you can install your own headset; deals are easy to find.