Bicycle Headset

A bicycle headset is a set mechanical component on any bicycle that provides a rotatable interface between the head tube and the bicycle fork of the frame. The tube through which the steers of the forked pass are known as the head tubes.

A standard headset includes two cups pressed into the top and bottom of the head tube. These two cups contain a bearing that provides low friction contact between the steerer and the bearing cup. A headset is often neglected and overlooked, yet it is an important part of your bike. A headset contains bearings that keep facilitate easy and frictionless turning of the fork and handlebars. All types of bicycle headsets work similarly. Generally, a bicycle headset contains two bearings in the top and bottom of the steerer tube. The steerer tube projects out past the upper head tube and is held affirm by the handlebar stem. Before you attach the handlebar stem to the steerer tube, the system must be preloaded or compressed together to work on the headset properly.

Types of bicycle headsets

Good quality and the appropriate type of headset can last the list of your bicycle. It might not be the best component in the world, but it surely plays an important job. If it is working properly, you might not notice the headset much. But once it gets out of the greasing, you will feel the difference and understand the importance as your steering will not work as you wish to turn the bike. This is the case with most of the bikes. There is nothing like a unified standard when we talk about road bike headsets. However, there are loads of designs available for cyclists out there. Here are some of the most commonly used.

Threaded headsets

It was the oldest version when all the headsets were screwed onto a thread on the steerer tube. The threaded steerer tubes are usually one inch in diameter. Although some mountain bikes were built in 1 1/8 inch and one ¼ inch threaded headsets before the threadless designs made their way in. With the threaded system, the bearing cups will be pressed into the head tube. Here the bearings sit above and below the races. The top bearing is threaded and is held in place by a threaded locknut. These headsets are not favouring a good quality cycle; however, you can still seed them in old, cheap, and retro-style cycles.

Threadless headsets

They are also known as headsets, but it is not a generic name but a trademark of Cane Creek. Here the original design contains bearing cups pressed into the top and the bottom of the head tube. Here the bearing is still externally. In these styles, the steerer is not threaded. Instead, a star-fangled nut or expansion plug is fixed inside the steerer. This plug acts as an anchor point. You can apply a preload after fixing the stem or spacer. Later you can tighten the stem in position as per the requirements.

Semi-integrated headsets

They are also known as internal, ZS, or Zero Stack headsets. They work similarly to the threadless headset, but the cup that holds that bearing is pressed inside the frame with just a blip that extends out of the top and the bottom of the head tube. These headsets come in different types and depths that are not interchangeable. Here suitable steerer diameter is normally 11/8 inches. Here adjustment is made via top cap and bolt at the top of the steerer with a threadless headset. They are also a part of many modern models of cycles that you use.

Integrated headsets

Integrated headsets use cartridge bearing that fits inside a head tube that is shaped specifically to hold them. Here the frame acts like a cup of bearing that you can slot in and lift out without any special tools. The cartridge bearing comes in different non-interchangeable types, so you need to make sure to get the right type when replacing them. The above bearing is 11/4 diameter with a 45-degree contact to the headset centring cone and 45-degree bearing contact with the frame. Bearing adjustment is similar to a threadless headset with preload applied with a bolt that slots through the top cap.