The S-3 headset uses the same design as the S-8, with only minimal concessions. The S-3 houses precision "bearing steel" cartridge bearings. The S-3 shares the overhanging cup/cover design of the S-8, which keeps contaminants from reaching the bearings. This overhanging "treacherous path" feature is repeated with the lower cup/crown race.

All Cane Creek headsets, including the S-3, feature design details such as an undercut transition and stepped insertion for ease of assembly into frames; and are compatible with Cane Creek Interlok spacers.

Classic: fits in a traditionally designed head tube and utilizes external bearing cups.