FSA headset cup depth

yoshimi
yoshimi Posts: 71
edited September 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
I've been having all sorts of problems getting a headset for a Giant Reign - the original is an OEM model which canot be bougfht aftermarket.
After much research, trawling of website I ended up talking to Giant aftersales team, they have told me that the FSA Orbit ZS-3 is the correct headset for a Giant Reign.
However, I know the 'S' in ZS-3 stands for shallow as in the cups but I went ahead and ordered one anyway. Now it has arrived, the cups are noticibly shallower than the originals I have removed.
They have seated fine, but there was obviuosly a good reason as to why the original headset had deeper cups - so do I contiue with the shallow cups or carry on with my elusive search of a Reign headset?
I'm more concerned about cracking my headtube and impailing myself as the new cups down go in as far as the old ones - any thoughts?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    what is the depth of yours?

    FSA do have a pdf with all the info on their webby.


    8mm for the non tapered sides is a number floating in my head.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    May be wishful thinking but I would suggest that if you fit the headset recommended by Giant then they should be culpable if it were to cause frame damage.
  • I'm at work now but I'd guess the new cup are only 2/3 the depths of the others. I'd imagine the originals are about 8mm and the new ones 4-5mm.
    I have just ordered yet another headset with deeper cups, hopefully between the 2 I'll be able to bodger one together.
    I'm sure the shallow cups will be fine but I'd always have that naging feeling that I'm goona launch off a drop and find my headtube ripped off.
    I have all email correspondance with Giant sop I'm sure I could prove liability on them if something did go wrong - however, I just want my bike to be right, so I can be confident with it. I've just come back from Morzine / Les Gets where I did the shed drop in the kona bike park - it didn't go well but I dont think I'd even consider it if I had any doubts about my bike.
  • stu8975
    stu8975 Posts: 1,334
    Ive got a FSA ZS-3 on my Anthem and its much better than the standard Giant one, i had to stick an extra headset spacer in to make up the differance,apart from that its spot on. Your local giant dealer will be able to get hold of the standard headset for you, think they are about £35 if my memory is still working
  • did you notice whether the cups are different sizes?
    btw thats one sweet looking Anthem!
  • stu8975
    stu8975 Posts: 1,334
    I cant honestly remember, it had the curved carbon spacer on top to hide evrything, the new ones come with the same internal headset as standard w/reducer cups (same height anyway) on the framsets..
    Thanks for compliment on the bike, it looks slightly better now that ive put 2008 xt on it....just need santa to bring me my crossmax sl/slr's..ive been good if your reading this :D