Headsets

Why We Make This: The simple answer is that many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frame’s headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, we needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames. From the beginning we understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. That’s a problem we know how to solve. Why You Want It: Enter, our patented GripLock™ bearing cap. The GripLock™ preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset. Our GripLock™ design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Our headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec. Compatible with Open, 3T, All City, Low, Cinelli, Lynskey, and more. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 42mm 45x45 upper bearing for 2.8-3.0mm bearing ream depth. - 52mm 45x45 lower bearing - Compatible with our included baseplate and 45 degree integrated crown races

Chris King DropSet 3 Headset. - Crown Race: 30 - S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6 Threadless - Bearing Type: Cartridge - S.H.I.S Lower: IS52 - S.H.I.S Upper: IS41

Why We Make This The simple answer is that many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frame's headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, we needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames. From the beginning we understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. That's a problem we know how to solve. Why You Want It Enter, our patented GripLock™ bearing cap. The GripLock™ preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset. Our GripLock™ design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Our headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec. Compatible with many Specialized mountain bike frames, see headtube specifications here. Not compatible with the 21'-22' Stumpjumper EVO. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - Patented GripLock® retention design for dependable headset adjustment (US Patent 8662517) - 42mm 45x45 upper bearing for 6.85-7.05mm bearing ream depth. - 52mm 45x45 lower bearing - Compatible with our included baseplate and 45 degree integrated crown races

Why We Make It Maybe we’re just a bunch of old softies, but the GripNut told the world we meant business when it came to headsets, and there are still a kajillion of them out in the world, giving good, daily service. It’s hard to talk about sustainability and not keeping making a cornerstone product like this one. Why You Want It You want to ride that classic bike of yours forever, and we don’t blame you. Our GripNut™ headset is designed for threaded forks that don’t require a cable hanger or additional spacers, allowing us to build a low stack height threaded headset with a unique collet locking system that stays securely adjusted. Every Chris King headset is built with our heat-treated bearings, and surgical-grade steel races machined simultaneously to ensure they are perfectly matched. As Chris King bearing tracks age and burnish, they actually get smoother, and all headsets are fully serviceable for years upon years of demanding riding. External upper and lower cups with the iconic, Chris King rounded profile adds timeless style to even the most modern bike. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - King Lifetime Warranty - Legendary made-in-house bearings - GripNut™ proprietary collet retention system - Options for 1” or 1-1/8” straight steerer tubes