Bike Headset Buying Guide

Bike headsets are often underestimated when it comes to how much they affect a bike’s safety and how it handles, and many feel that they are more complicated than they really are.

Bike headsets are an essential component on a bike and are easy to replace – whether that be for modularity or for maintenance. With this in mind, we have created this short headset guide to help you figure out which type of headset is right for you, as well as to explain how you can easily install it.

If you need any advice or help regarding installing a headset on a bike or which one to buy, book an appointment at one of our workshops and our experienced mechanics will be happy to help.

What Is a Bike Headset?

The bicycle headset is located on the fork, which connects the handlebars to the front wheel. It is composed of the crown race, star nut, top race, top and bottom headset bearings, spacers, and a pre-load bolt.

Types of cycle headsets

There are a few different types of headset, but the three main types of configurations are: External Cup (EC), Zero Stack (ZS), also known as Inset, and Integrated (IS). It’s often hard to tell which one you need, so it’s understandable that some less experienced cyclists or home mechanics are left confused.

Threaded Headset

Threaded headsets are a component that connects the fork to the frame, using a threaded steerer tube and adjustable cups to secure the bearings. It requires a locknut to hold the assembly in place, allowing for precise adjustment of the bearing preload.

Threadless Headset

A threadless headset also connects the fork to the frame, but without the need for threaded parts, allowing for easier adjustments and a more straightforward installation process. It typically uses a stem that clamps onto the fork steerer tube, secured by a top cap and bolt.

This guide plans to clear up any uncertainty about when your cycle headset needs to be replaced, and how.

Why Add a New Headset on a Bike?

The main reasons to invest in new bike headset parts are either due to wear and tear, to allow yourself more control over the bike’s pre-load, or purely for cosmetic reasons. 

How to know if my bike headset needs a replacement

There are two telltale signs of a worn-out headset: stiff steering, or unwanted movement, also known as play. The easiest way to check for play is to set the bike on the ground, grab the front brake, and rock the bike back and forth. Any play in your bike will become very clear as you’ll feel a clear knocking movement through the handlebars.

Another sign of a used headset to be wary of are any unpleasant or irregular sounds coming from the headset. If your bike’s headset starts to make any sort of strange sound or you can feel a distinct roughness when turning the bars, you should replace it immediately.

Can I install a bike headset myself?

Installing a headset is relatively simple, so fitting the headset on road or mountain bikes at home will allow you to save money and tune your headset exactly how you like it, as well as giving you complete control over which headset to equip your bike with, which is particularly useful if you want a high-end headset, or a certain look.

If you have any questions about installing your bike headset, consult an expert, such as our mechanics at our Hampton Wick or Oakham store.

Choosing the right headset for your bike

The main thing to identify is whether your headset is integrated, as Zero Stack and External Cup headsets can be switched out at will, provided that the steerer tube and headset have the right dimensions. In fact, some setups will use an External Cup lower headset and a Zero Stack upper headset.

An integrated headset will have a bearing race inside of the head tube itself – this will look like a protruding hump on the inside of the head tube. Bikes with External Cup and Zero Stack headsets will not have this feature.

Road Bike Headset vs MTB Headset

There are no real differences between road / gravel and mountain bike headsets, aside from the fact that MTB headsets tend to be heavier, but more durable (allowing them to take the beating of mountain biking). Even so, the difference is negligible, and headsets almost never fail unless they are regularly or heavily used or poorly maintained over time.

How to Replace a Headset

Bike Headset Replacement Tools Required: 

• Hex Keys 
• Screwdriver
• Grease

For the value focused home mechanic: 

Vel 9 Piece Hex Key Set

For the pro level home workshop:

Park Tool PH-1.2 P-Handled Hex Wrench Set with Holder

Recommended grease: 

Park Tool PPL-1 Polylube 1000 

Also you may need a flat-bladed screwdriver for making it easier to remove a headset split compression ring.

Steps to Replace Headset on a Bike

1. Remove the front wheel. To access the lower headset bearing, the fork needs to be removed from the bike. Removing the wheel makes the process much simpler.

2. Unscrew the stem clamp bolts to allow the fork to move. While holding the fork, fully unscrew the top cap and remove the stem, headset spacers and headset top cap. If there is a split compression ring, remove with a flat headed screwdriver. The fork may feel like it’s going to fall off.

3. Pull the fork entirely out of the head tube. Then set aside the handlebar spacers, bearing cover, and handlebars.

4. Wipe down the fork's steerer tube and the crown race. Then apply a thin layer of grease to the crown race. You can now set the fork aside. A new crown race may still need this thin layer of grease.

5. It is also important at this stage to measure the top and bottom of your steerer tube. Ensure that you are ordering the correct diameter upper and lower headsets / headset cups. Knowing this, your fork dimensions and headtube dimensions is key when upgrading.

6. Pull out the upper and lower bearings entirely. These should be cleaned as often as possible. Rotate the bearing cartridge between your fingers – if the bearings feel harsh or gritty, or if they look corroded, or in any other way in bad condition, you should replace the headset bearings. Some headsets do not have replaceable bearings, so you may need to replace the headset.

7. Wipe the headset cups or integrated races (of an integrated headset) completely clean. Apply a thin layer of grease to these surfaces.

8. Apply a thin layer of grease to your headset bearings. Then, drop the headset cup (or just the bearings if the headset is integrated) back into the head tube.

9. Slide the form back into the head tube, followed by the spacers and handlebars. Bolt the top cover back onto the stem, and pre-load the headset by tightening the bolt. Be careful when doing this, however, as too little pre-load will cause play, whereas too much will make turning stiff.

Who makes the best headsets?

Looking to buy a new bike headset? Check out Sigma Sports’ range, which features trusted brands and premium headset manufacturers such as Chris King, Wolf Tooth and many more.

Bike Headset Bearings

Bicycle headset bearings are vital to the proper functioning of your bike. In order to keep your headset, and thus your steering, working properly, you should clean your bike headset bearings and bearing surfaces as frequently as possible. This will ensure that you get the smoothest possible steering as well as suffer minimal wear and tear - damaged cycle headset bearings will cause quicker degradation of your bike’s headset.

Summary

Whether you love your road bikes and want to upgrade your headset components, or you have a mountain bike with loose headset bearings, we've got the components, tools and experts to help you out. Browse our headset range or speak to our customer advisers if you need any help.