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Headset FAQs |
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What are the advantages of threadless over threaded headsets?Threadless headsets reconfigure the way the frame, fork and stem go together, thereby making the steering assembly lighter, simpler and more functional.
A threadless headset serves double duty by tying the threadless steering tube to the frame and setting the stem position on the steerer. As a result, threadless systems eliminate headset locknuts and the stem wedge and quill, saving up to a half-pound compared to threaded systems. Equally important is the savings of time, tools and labor—once the headset cups and crown are in place, one 5mm hex wrench sets the bearing-preload bolt and tightens the stem bolts.
Threadless headsets are also much less likely to rattle loose, and they can be kept in check with the same simple 5mm adjustment. Finally, the stem/steerer interface is much more secure—instead of a prone-to-flex stem quill rising out of a steering tube, the stem clamps around the steering tube.
How does AheadSet fit into the Cane Creek product line?The AheadSet headset was the original threadless headset, and it was developed by the people who would go on to start Cane Creek. AheadSet has found a niche as a product line of quality value-oriented threadless headsets, many of which come as original equipment on new bikes. Cane Creek threadless headsets are more high-end, using leading-edge designs with high-quality materials.
Some people use "AheadSet" as a generic name for all threadless headsets. Is this OK?No, it's not correct. AheadSet is a registered trademark and refers only to the line of headsets bearing the AheadSet name. The proper "generic" name for AheadSet-like headsets is "threadless headsets." For example: The official proper name of our top-of-the-line Cane Creek headset is the "Cane Creek S-5 threadless headset."
If I am installing or upgrading to a Cane Creek threadless headset, will my bike be compatible?Compatibility should be no problem, but there are a few cautionary notes. Most crucially, the head tube and fork crown must be hand-faced and milled to ensure a smooth operating headset—this is true for all bikes and headsets, but especially so for cartridge-bearing ones like ours. Unless you're a headset-installing pro, have your Cane Creek headset put in by a shop mechanic. Failure to properly prep the frame/fork will result in premature headset wear.
One other note: If you are upgrading to a Cane Creek headset and hanging on to the other elements of your threadless steering system (fork and stem), bear in mind that the stack height may be different compared to your previous headset. This can affect the interface of the stem and steering tube. As Cane Creek headset stack heights are relatively low, you might have to add a spacer or two to maintain the same stem height when you upgrade.
Is there a simple list of troubleshooting tips to follow for those Cane Creek and AheadSet headsets that don't take an immediate adjustment?The top cap/star nut assembly sets bearing preload and requires only a light torque--just enough to take the play out of the bearings. If you find that this setting requires a lot more torque, or the bearings feel rough at a low torque setting, there could be something that needs to be corrected. Here are a few of the usual suspects.
- Stem/Steering tube interference. The stem should slide freely up and down the steering tube. If the stem is too tight, it can hamper adjustment, because while torquing down on the top nut, you would be working against the interference instead of setting the bearing preload.
- Steerer/spacer interference. If spacers are used for height adjustment, these should also be loose enough to slide freely along the steering tube.
- Steering tube cut too long. There should be 3mm of clearance from the top of the stem to the top of the steering tube. Otherwise, the top cap might bottom out on the top of the steering tube.
- Star nut position. The star nut should be placed 15mm below the top of the steering tube. If it is placed too high in the steering tube, it can cause the top cap to bottom out on the star nut.
- Top cap/Inner diameter of steering tube. The top cap should slide freely inside the steering tube. If there are burrs or excess material on the inner part of the steerer, they can cause adjustment problems.
One related point (call it 5a): As with any headset, it is crucial to face the head tube and fork crown for optimum headset performance and durability. The head tube should be parallel (top and bottom) within 0.002-inch.
Is it possible to ride without the star nut, top cap and bolt once you've installed a Cane Creek or AheadSet threadless headset?Technically, it does not make a difference if you ride with or without the adjustment assembly (star nut, top cap, bolt) as long as the clamp stem is sufficiently secured. However, we do not recommend riding without any of these stock parts, because they are essential to your being able to make simple adjustments on the trail, if necessary. And you definitely shouldn't throw them away, because at some point you'll probably want to adjust your headset, in which case you'll need the adjustment assembly to attain the proper preload. Remember that every time you go to adjust the preload, you must first loosen the stem's clamp bolts.
The plastic cap used on the lower-end AheadSet headsets—doesn't that break easily?Actually, no. The top cap was designed to be made of the nylon resin composite--for a number of reasons. In addition to its light weight and cost-effectiveness, the nylon resin top cap is good over-torquing insurance--that is, it is intended to break if over-tightened. Now, if you do happen to over-torque the nylon top cap, you break an inexpensive part that's easily replaceable, and that's the extent of the damage. Aluminum top caps are nice, but you must be careful about avoiding overtorque during the adjustment process. If you overtorque a metal top cap, the top cap may not deform, and instead you may damage the bearings and races.
Threadless headsets are common for mountain bikes. Should I consider using one for my road bike too?Yes. Threadless headsets deliver the same benefits to road bikes and mountain bikes—namely, less weight, easier adjustment, and a more secure stem connection. By clamping around the steering tube, the stem is much stiffer laterally, good for everything from field sprints to twisty descents. You can get high-quality quill-less road stems from most manufacturers, and most desirable forks (like the carbon models) are available with threadless steering tubes. Finally, the knights of the European road peloton, including Tour de France winners, have embraced threadless steering systems.
Can I replace my current headset with a Cane Creek ZS headset to get a lower stack height?No. The ZS headset is a new development that enables a lower stack height than is available with standard headsets. The ZS headset requires a specially machined head tube, so it is available only as an OEM (original equipment) component on certain new bikes with properly prepped frames. At this time there is no way to retrofit a ZS headset to a frame that has been set up for a traditional cup headset. If you need to get a headset with a lower-than-average stack height for your bike, several Cane Creek and AheadSet headsets fit the bill.
I am a BMX rider. What do you recommend for threadless headsets?First of all, thanks to all the BMX riders out there who have discovered the benefits of going with threadless steering systems. The stiffer, simpler front end gives you a real advantage when you're riding hard. Cane Creek created the modern threadless headset and continues to offer a wide range of headsets, including a few that are well-suited to BMX. For all-out headset durability, we make the Tank headset, which brings bomb-proof steel construction to BMX and freestyle riders who expose the weaknesses of ordinary headsets. Other rugged BMX-ready offerings in the AheadSet line are the SE and SX headsets. Freestyle riders with tricky cable routing can groove to our Freestyle Assembly, a hollow-bolt top cap that is compatible with the cable routing of freestyle "de-tangler" front-end systems.
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