Headset stack height

iandennis

i'm thinking about upgrading the headset on my hard rock to either a FSA Orbit or a Cane Creek S8. If I'm moving from the standard fitting to either of these new ones do I need to worry about the stack height or length of steerer that is left on the forks. I don't think there would be much difference between the old one and the replacement ?

nicklouse

there can be quite a difference. you will need to play with the spacers if there is a difference.

most makers list stack heights.

iandennis

There are 3 spacers on the current set up, so I guess the steerer has to be shortened if I fit a shorter stack ?

nicklouse

just add more spacers.

iandennis

Thanks for your help then Nick

NW Postie

I would say its worth checking the specs on the headsets your looking at, this would save you some issues down the line in having to either invest in extra spacers of trimming down the steerer tube more.

HTH 8)

warpcow

I have a CC S6 (pretty much the same as the S8 apart from the bearings IIRC) on one bike and an Orbit MX on the other. Stack height for the S6 is about 36.5mm and the MX is about 41mm, but exact measurements are freely available from their websites. You just need to download their several-hundred-page catalogues.

IMHO the Cane Creek is better sealed than the FSA, which looks nice but just feels a bit cheap. Still, they're just headsets.

iandennis

Cane Creek would be my choice, its only a couple of quid more expensive and seems to be a well regarded.

nicklouse

both made by the same company.