Reddit mentions: The best bike headsets

I'll probably have the LBS do the BB with me watching, but it will be good for later that way. Seems to definitely be the recommendation to go BSA, so thats the way I'm going.

Regarding the headset, thats this guy you're referring to, right?

Regarding the crank and shifters, I have heard good things about MicroShift for the Arsis and White, the common comment though is that they have a long throw. I'm determined to try them out, but I'm well aware they may be cast off quickly. As far as the crank goes though, I'm open to using the R700, I'll take a look and see what I can find.

And good call on the pedals, I didn't put much thought into them. My PD-T700's are double sided, something I really like. The XT-M780 would fit nicely.

I think you've got it...but not ANY fork of course. It would have to be 1 1/8" straight steerer tube. (So not 1 1/8" to 1.5" tapered, and not 1")

If you are looking at headsets I have had stunning success across the board with the Cane Creek 40 series of headsets. I use them on my own bikes, on bikes we fix. Everywhere. Metal races, quality sealed bearings that are common and easy to get, good seals on everything including the race, metal expander rings and it's even priced really well! They just work; Cane Creek 40.

Why are you interested in the Macho Disc fork? It does not really save/change anything over the Fairdale fork it even removed the Mid-Blade mounting bolts from the Fairdale.

Yeah, I didn't know either but you must add that 1 1/8 spacer on top of the shimmed stem THEN the 1 1/8th top cap to put it in place.

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for the shim, I just got lucky. it was the same height as the stem (I think around 40mm). this is the shim I used: https://www.amazon.com/Ventura-Spacer-Ahead-Stem/dp/B01MREO4IC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_468_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=THGK26KHN9XT4VNF8J8S

for the most part, I think this shim will fit most stems. i have a nitto UI-25 stem that's shimmed using this one.

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LBS stands for local bike shop!

It's probably easiest to replace the headset. Here is a good option. Otherwise I would try to fully reinstall the headset including crown race and see if that helps, as it may not be possible to tell if headset components are straight (especially if multiple components are out of alignment).

Not too likely the steerer is bent but you can check with a good straightedge, like a steel ruler/pipe.

Hahaha, star fangled nut. Thanks for the advice, I'll check it out!

Edit: Do you mean something like this ?

Thank you for the lead, was clueless before.

So can that carbon "cap" for lack of a better term be replaced with something nearly flat?

I tried this:

https://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder
> Upper Headset Fit
> Upper Headset Type: EC
> Upper Head-tube Type: 34
> Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6


I guess I am looking for something like this maybe half the price

http://www.certifiedslammed.com/products/slam-that-stem-bearing-cover

looks like veloflyte.com used to be an option too but he got a different job

there is this but too expensive https://www.canecreek.com/products/headsets/aer

AHA! Aheadset Compression Covers - looks like something I can barely afford

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DUUWRS

wonder if I can just sell the old 1 inch carbon piece to make up the cost

also found this on ebay but it is thin plastic so not sure if will last/safe

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1-8-Threadless-Bike-Headset-Dust-Lower-Cover-4mm-Stack-/252411909962

here's another from woodman

http://www.woodmancomponents.com/Web/Product_Show.asp?Sel=PD&CAID=CA20101003110833&CBID=CB20130507120017

Knowing nothing else except your price point (which I think is on the high end for a headset...*), I'd suggest one of these, which ever is compatible with your frame and fork.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XW7S06/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B005DUUTXK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=05CC8B8APBAZ8982V5E3

• At this point, $75 is about $50 away from a bombproof Chris King or Cane Creek 110 or something in the $120 range. Other wise, I've had much success with the Origin8 Pro Sealed headset, about $25 - $30.

Here's an example, I don't think this is the exact one I got (can't remember my tube size atm) but if you read the questions section you can fit a 44mm , or 40mm head tube etc by buying the different sizes that fit your needs.

http://www.amazon.com/Cane-Creek-40-Tapered-Headset/dp/B009F9475Q

Neco makes one but I've never used the 1-1/8 threaded model, but some of their other ones have been good for me, though I've only used them on road bikes so they don't see much abuse.

I've seen them in my local hardware store. They called tube connecting nuts and are available in various sizes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tube+connecting+nut


Edit:

Also, if it makes you feel any better, the cheapest one I found on amazon is $4.13 with free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Aheadset-Star-Nut-1-1-28-6/dp/B001AYMJJA/

I'm pretty sure you just need this: FSA Orbit Tapered Headset 42 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019CEOEQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bWqMDb1SWDY2F

No, neither item appears to include a crown race, so you would need to purchase one separately and install it on the fork. Given your bike's french heritage, may I recommend a stronglight A9?

https://www.amazon.com/Stronglight-Classic-Cartridge-Bearings-Headset/dp/B002WMRJQ2

I believe this includes a crown race. Make sure that the steerer is the right length. You can't just cut it down to length, like with a threadless model.

Go to your local bike shop and get something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Bicycle-Headset-Spacers-Alluminum/dp/B07F65R15K

Any that are 1 1/8" will work fine. Cane Creek is good bang for your buck. No sense throwing a Chris King on a $200 frame. I know Ritchey also makes some decent headsets.

You can put a tapered fork on a non-tapered head tube. You need something like this Cane Creek product which moves the bottom bearings out of the headtube.

It's designed specifically for putting tapered forks on a non-tapered head tube. Whether it works with your exact model of Trek or not, I don't know.

Its a Hollow headset bolt
Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/AheadSet-Threadless-Freestyle-Hollow-8-Inch/dp/B001AYOMK4
It lets you put a front brake cable through it

Miche has one on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Miche-Primato-thread-headset-26-4mm/dp/B0029LDAZK

The Stronglight A9 is reasonably priced on Amazon too

http://www.amazon.com/Stronglight-A9-Steel-Headset-threaded/dp/B0078EQL3G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1649ZDFKMZ8F6DTKF601

Not going to work with that particular style of expander plug. You will need one like this, which allows you to use a different headset preload cap.

https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Bike-Headset-Star-Cover/dp/B078NNTGX2/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=headset+star+bolt&qid=1567708885&s=gateway&sr=8-11

It is rusted to the fork. This is the part that I'm talking about.