IS = "integrated system." The IS design uses no cups. IS bearings rest inside the head tube of the bike's frame, which has been specifically designed to cradle the bearings and manufactured to the Cane Creek IS worldwide standard. The IS headset cannot be retrofitted to an existing bike with traditional headset cups. The IS-6 uses stainless steel bearings as an upgrade over the IS-2. For 2003 all 1-1/8" IS headsets are compatable with Cane Creek Interlok spacers.

Construction: The IS headset is compatible only with specially machined head tubes- manufactured to the Cane Creek IS worldwide standard. The IS-2 utilizes bearing steel grade cartridge bearings. The IS-6 steps up to stainless steel cartridge bearings for longer lasting durability.

Who rides it: This new headset innovation is limited to IS-equipped bikes.