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

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

The Chris King GripNut Threaded Headset incorporates a threaded collet that firmly clamps the threads for better holding power and includes a ten-year warranty. - User-serviceable stainless steel cartridge bearings with full-contact seals - GripNut headset incorporates a threaded collet that firmly clamps the threads for better holding power - 10-year warranty - Requires installation tool adaptor

Got a threaded steerer without spacers or brake hangers? Chris King's GripNut Headset is the choice for you. Ideal for heavy touring and riding over rough terrain, the GripNut features an extra threaded collet that locks the steerer in place, offering incredible holding power and adjustability. It’s also a welcome solution for forks with damaged or undersized threads. The additional collet makes it easy to install a fork that's had its steerer tube cut too short.

The King GripNut Headset is designed for threaded steerer that don’t require a cable hanger or additional spacers. - Collet locking system stays securely adjusted - King made-in-house bearings - 10-year warranty

The Inset headset offers Chris King's trademark quality and durability in a low-stack configuration sized for contemporary headtube dimensions. King's legendary made-in-house bearings still form the centerpiece of the Inset headsets, with precisely machined aluminum cups and headset caps available in all ten classic Chris King colors. The Inset 2 is compatible with tapered 1-1/8 - 1-1/2-inch forks and frames using a 44/56mm headtube.

The Inset headset offers Chris King's trademark quality and durability in a low-stack configuration sized for contemporary headtube dimensions. King's legendary, made-in-house bearings still form the centerpiece of the Inset headsets, with precisely machined aluminum cups and headset caps available in all ten classic Chris King colors. The Inset 7 is compatible with tapered 1-1/8 - 1-1/2-inch forks and frames using a 44mm headtube.

NoThreadSet is built to be precise and dependable and a classic. Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, OR. Patented GripLock retention design for reliable headset adjustment. - Engineered, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon USA - Chris King made-in-house bearings - Crown Race: 40 - S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6 Threadless - Bearing Type: Cartridge - S.H.I.S Lower: EC44 - S.H.I.S Upper: EC34

Chris King led the threadless headset revolution with their NoThreadSet. This iconic, incredibly durable piece of equipment embodies the limitless potential found in simple, high-quality design. Equally appropriate on your road or mountain bike, the NoThreadSet has been ridden to World Cup titles on the trail and to victory at the Tour de France. Featuring precision-machined aluminum cups, King's own in-house stainless steel bearings, a stainless steel base plate, and all ten Chris King colors, each headset is a statement piece that will likely outlast your bike! This model fits bikes with a non-tapered 1-inch headtube and threadless steerer tube.

Chris King led the threadless headset revolution with their NoThreadSet. This iconic, incredibly durable piece of equipment embodies the limitless potential found in simple, high-quality design. Equally appropriate on your road or mountain bike, the NoThreadSet has been ridden to World Cup titles on the trail and to victory at the Tour de France. Featuring precision-machined aluminum cups, King's own in-house stainless steel bearings, a stainless steel base plate, and all ten Chris King colors, each headset is a statement piece that will likely outlast your bike! This model fits bikes with a non-tapered 1-inch headtube and threadless steerer tube. The Sotto Voce models feature toned down graphics that let you sport your Chris King style in a more subtle manner.