Cheap Headsets - whats the deal?

twain · Dec 18, 2012

looking for a cheap 1" headset for a cheap bike restoration/salvage.
i see loads of cheap ones on the bay, but wondered what the difference is between one for £6 and one for £15-£20+ when they are essentially constructed from very similar looking components.

is it purely down to the quality of the metal used?

Or are the tolerances tighter on more expensive ones too?

comments would be appreciated.

Grannygrinder · Dec 18, 2012

.

I've used a couple of the £10ish Ritchey ones from CRC.
No complaints yet

hamster · Dec 18, 2012

The difference is in the quality of the machining of the bearing surface, its hardness and weather sealing.

Typically cheap headsets wear unevenly, are hard to keep tight and play-free and rust out when they fill with damp. So they are absolutely fine for a pub beater or commuter.

twain · Dec 18, 2012

it'll be for a BMX actually. but nothing special - just a pub/shop runner. the ritchey logic might be the way to go. would rather a lower maintenance budget one. those ritchey ones look ok.

bm0p700f · Dec 18, 2012

I have used a very cheap !" headset in My Marin. I worked fine for a whilke but over time (not long enough really) it started to become rough. not rough enough to cause any problems but rough enough to notice it. So I changed it.

If it will have limited use then a 36 headset will be fine. they will last a lot longer if you fit grade 25 or drade 10 loose balls instead of the caged c*** that comes with it.

Cheap Headsets - whats the deal?

twain

Grannygrinder

hamster

Retro Wizard

twain

bm0p700f

Senior Retro Guru

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