Headset Recommendations

slc123
slc123 Posts: 407
edited August 2018 in MTB buying advice
Need a headset for a new build project. ZS44/56

Any recommendations? I put a Nukeproof warhead on my last build, which seemed perfectly fine. Also, been looking at the Superstar UK made ones...

Not looking to spend as much as Hope or Chris King.

Thanks
Cannondale Trail 27.5 | 2015
Titus El Chulo 27.5 | 2017
Trek Slash 9 27.5 | 2015 (building)

Comments

  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    just make sure you get one with good seals. had a few of the cheaper ones and they've not lasted
  • JBA
    JBA Posts: 2,852
    I have a Cane Creek 40 headset on my HT that has been fine. There is a nice rubber seal around it that has worked well and kept everything dry and clean during last winter.
    “Life has been unfaithful
    And it all promised so so much”

    Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Sonder Broken Road 2021¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Toughtroad SLR 1 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I buy the cheapest 'reputable brand' headset I can.

    The one on my commuter had no seals, was 12 years old when I sold it on the frame and had done 6500 miles since I started using it in 2009 and was as smooth as butter still.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    The Rookie wrote:
    I buy the cheapest 'reputable brand' headset I can.

    The one on my commuter had no seals, was 12 years old when I sold it on the frame and had done 6500 miles since I started using it in 2009 and was as smooth as butter still.

    Its one area of the bike i don't mind spending on, current bike is a Hope bottom but Nukeproof top headset, bearing is rubbish in the top so going to replace with a Hope.

    I've done same with bottom brackets just seem to wear through them so paid extra and bought the best i can afford.
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    On the subject of headsets after one for a 44mm headtube on my 26er nukeproof mega. Just need the top part.

    I'm looking at hope option 2 Integral IS 44/28.6 this should fit?
  • slc123
    slc123 Posts: 407
    swod1 wrote:
    On the subject of headsets after one for a 44mm headtube on my 26er nukeproof mega. Just need the top part.

    I'm looking at hope option 2 Integral IS 44/28.6 this should fit?

    I think if it's the hope integrated one it would actually be IS41/28.6 as it's not as wide. The zero stack option is the 44.

    It also may depend on what mega you have as the new 275 and 290 are a tapered headset so take 44 top / 56 bottom, whereas the TR and AM are 44, so it should fit if it's one of those.
    Cannondale Trail 27.5 | 2015
    Titus El Chulo 27.5 | 2017
    Trek Slash 9 27.5 | 2015 (building)
  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,443
    When it comes to headsets, some people have found this link to the Crane Creek headset finder very useful:

    https://blue.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    slc123 wrote:
    I think if it's the hope integrated one it would actually be IS41/28.6 as it's not as wide. The zero stack option is the 44.

    It also may depend on what mega you have as the new 275 and 290 are a tapered headset so take 44 top / 56 bottom, whereas the TR and AM are 44, so it should fit if it's one of those.

    Its the older mega tr i have yellow one, i know the bottom is 44mm as I've already fitted the external tapered bottom cup for the fork i'm using. frame manual just says 44mm headtube.

    Need the one with the cup that is pressed into the frame and bearing sits into that and hopes website says HOPE : 2
    S.H.I.S. : ZS44/28.6.
  • slc123
    slc123 Posts: 407
    swod1 wrote:
    Its the older mega tr i have yellow one, i know the bottom is 44mm as I've already fitted the external tapered bottom cup for the fork i'm using. frame manual just says 44mm headtube.

    Need the one with the cup that is pressed into the frame and bearing sits into that and hopes website says HOPE : 2
    S.H.I.S. : ZS44/28.6.

    If you have measured it and it's 44mm then yes that would be the one you need. They refer to that as "integral" rather than "integrated"
    Cannondale Trail 27.5 | 2015
    Titus El Chulo 27.5 | 2017
    Trek Slash 9 27.5 | 2015 (building)

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