Headset Question

[HillSlugger]

What difference does the headset really make? What makes Chris King headsets so special?

[DebW]

A normal sealed bearing headset has a cup and a cone and the bearing unit sits between them. A Chris King headset has the bearing as part of the cup. Upshot being that there is less room for play between the bearing and the cup/cone, and therefore a Chris King headset is far more durable than others. I was told to expect one to last the life of the bike.

[DebW]

What difference does the headset really make?

The short answer to this question is that, when the headset is working fine, it makes no difference to the ride quality of the bike. You probably won't be able to tell an expensive headset from a mediocre one. When it's not working fine, it makes a big difference in steering. A cheap or mediocre headset will have to be replaced more often. Servicable headsets with loose bearings, even when serviced failthfully, will eventually wear out (in maybe 10-15 years). Headsets ridden while out of adjustment can wear pretty fast. Modern sealed-bearing headsets, like 105 or Ultegra, are quite nice, but the cartridge bearing won't last forever.