Headsets - Differences

MarkDon

I'm trying to work out what headset i have on my Kona Blast Deluxe 09, the spec says TH, and it has the FSA logo on the rim of the headset, so i've been looking to see what i have, this is the only one i can find with TH in the description?

FSA Orbit X
• Forged and CNC machined 6061/T6 and aluminium cups
• Patented alignment tip for increased durability and performance
• TH brand 36 degree micro angular contact bearings
• 7075/T6 crown race and aluminium top cap
• Stack Height: 18.4 + 13.1 = 31.5mm
• Fits - 1” or 1.1/8”

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=34269

Basically, i just want to know for future reference, if i ever have to replace it, what should i replace it with? Though i am thinking about replacing it when i change my forks, to something with a bit more colour in it, not sure yet though.

Can someone explain the differences, perhaps the pro's & con's of integrated, internal, threadless, and any others?

Also, if i'm heading towards the XC side of things, is there perhaps a certain type i should be going for? Or is it a case of certain bikes have certain types, and they are not interchangable?

Cheers.

Mark.

nicklouse

it will be a standard 1 1/8th headset.

Parktools has a good article on the different headset standards.

MarkDon

Nick, you must get sick of these threads

I have tried to follow the Parktools article, but as they dont look the same as mine, i'm not 100% sure whats what, was after some info from here?

I know theres loads of stuff in FAQ's and on line guides, but sometimes i'm dense and need things spelled out for me, sorry :oops:

Hoping over time i will get to know all the ins & outs of the MTB world & be able to help idiots such as myself one day

Thanks.

nicklouse

post a picture of yours and then it is easy to answer.
not the headset does not need to be exactly the same just the same type.

MarkDon

Ah, ok, i'm at work at the moment, so i will post a pic when i get home, cheers.

Edit - dont know if your magic bike powers can see from this pic?

supersonic

Is a standard cup headset (not internal, zerostack, integrated or any of that).

MarkDon

Ah, ok, that many different ones i wasnt 100% sure!

Thanks

Torres

If you're looking to replace it you cannot go wrong with the FSA orbits. If you're after a bit of colour then hope do different shades, but are quite expensive (cerca 60 notes). Superstar have just started producing ones around the 25 pound mark wich might be worth a look (just google superstar components).

stomith

supersonic wrote:

Is a standard cup headset (not internal, zerostack, integrated or any of that).

You guys make me laugh when you say things like that. Reminds me when i first sat and listened to other kids talking in their language when i was 5 or 6. I know it is probably simple if you understand what's being said...but when you don't.....it really is another language.

supersonic

Now you know the terms you can look them up! Park Tools compares them all in a chart, with dimensions.