MTB Headset Choice ZS44 / ZS56

[RomP]

Hi Hubbers,

 

In the market for a new complete MTB headset ZS44 / ZS56 .

 

Every shop / Online shop sells a different brand. KCNC seem to be the most reasonable priced thus far.

 

Any recommendations or brands to stay away from ?

Edited August 24, 2020 by RomP

[DR ◣◢]

Don't skimp. I ran a Hope headset for 10 years without ever needing to even put fresh grease in the cups. With Hope you also have the split style crown race for the fork to changing forks on a bike is super easy.

Cane Creek or Hope would be my recommendation. 

[Meezo]

I was here same like you last week looked at KCNC at evobikes.

 

 

Ended with CaneCreek from my LBS through isikosports

[droo]

Cane Creek 40 is the ideal balance between price and durability.

 

Both the Cs in KCNC stand for crap. And the K is the same, but in Afrikaans.

[Rock Guy]

Yup Cane Creek 40 is great. I've had these on two bikes with not a single problem ever. Never needed to replace any bearings either. Almost 11000km on one bike over three years, and about 5000km on the other over 3 years. They are well made and well sealed.

 

I wouldn't buy anything made by FSA. I have one of their headsets on my current bike and it is just plain crap. No seals plus a 1mm gap below the top cap for dirt to come in and have jol in your bearing. It is on my list of things to replace.

[RomP]

Thanks All,

 

Only realised now that i omitted to mention I also need to add a press in BB92 Bottom Bracket... References on this will also be appreciated.

Edited August 24, 2020 by RomP

[Joe Soap]

If you are considering Cane Creek, have a look at these guys:

https://isikosports.co.za/Headsets-c23798660

 

Ordered Friday just after 12 noon and was delivered Saturday morning in P-town

[droo]

Thanks All,

 

Only realised now that i omitted to mention I also need to add a press in BB92 Bottom Bracket... References on this will also be appreciated.

 

Wheels Manufacturing if you want something fit-and-forget with replaceable bearings. Initial cost is steep, but worth it in the long run.

 

BB86-OUT is the thing you're looking for, there are options for SRAM GXP or Shimano.

[DR ◣◢]

Yup Cane Creek 40 is great. I've had these on two bikes with not a single problem ever. Never needed to replace any bearings either. Almost 11000km on one bike over three years, and about 5000km on the other over 3 years. They are well made and well sealed.

 

I wouldn't buy anything made by FSA. I have one of their headsets on my current bike and it is just plain crap. No seals plus a 1mm gap below the top cap for dirt to come in and have jol in your bearing. It is on my list of things to replace.

No issues at all with the fit of my FSA on the Evil.

[RomP]

Wheels Manufacturing if you want something fit-and-forget with replaceable bearings. Initial cost is steep, but worth it in the long run.

 

BB86-OUT is the thing you're looking for, there are options for SRAM GXP or Shimano.

Do You stock the BB86-OUT ?

[droo]

Do You stock the BB86-OUT ?

 

We do. And the headset.

 

Are you after the Shimano or the SRAM version?

[Rock Guy]

No issues at all with the fit of my FSA on the Evil.

Good to know.

 

It isn't impossible that the fit is partly an issue with the frame manufacturer in my case. That aside, there still is absolutely no seal fitted to the FSA headset in my frame. The Cane Creek 40 comes with seals integrated into the crown race and top cap.

Edited August 24, 2020 by Rock Guy