Kona headsets

[Skeeter1]

Hi All,

I'm replacing my headset on my 94 kona Kilauea and it currently has fitted a 1 1/8 FSA orbit mx aheadset fitted.
What I'm trying to find out is can I fit any sealed headset which is 1 1/8 Or are there any other measurements I need to take into account before looking/ buying.
Or maybe someone here has something nice for sale?
Many thanks.

 

[k-rod]

Re:

Make sure you've got either threaded or threadless, and then it"s the 'stack height' you need be concerned about (some head-set assemblies take up more vertical room).

 

[@dalbyinthe90s]

Re: Re:

Make sure you've got either threaded or threadless, and then it"s the 'stack height' you need be concerned about (some head-set assemblies take up more vertical room).

Basically the answer to your question is yes.. probably. The FSA orbit mx is an aheadset and it requires a fork that has a threadless steerer tube (which you must surely have already).

So when you're looking for a replacement headset the terms 'aheadset' and 'threadless headset' both refer to the same type. They are recognisable compared to the older era threaded headsets because they don't have a big lock nut on top.

Just be careful though because kona impact and control headsets are not threadless - they may look like they are but in fact they're threaded. So, they would fit your frame but require you to swap the fork for a threaded one.

k-rod mentioned stack height. He's talking about how far the visible external parts of headset cups stand out of frame, top and bottom. Some are relatively chunky, others quite low profile. If there's room, you can add or remove spacers between the headset and the stem to make things right after the swap.

I have an orbit mx for my kona and they're a pretty average height. [edit: just looked at my bike and actually the orbit mx has quite tall cups. Good news cos it means your steerer tube should be long enough to cope with most replacements. Add a spacer if you need].