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BSki

Ok, I keep hearing the phrase almost in a hush much like when referring to the Holy Grail.

Whats so special about a "Chris King" headset?

Keep in mind I am on a stock Spec FSR and a complete n00b when it comes to parts. From my understanding, a headset is only good for compressing the bar spacers prior to tightening the stem.

Edjumacate me please.

allison

I like mine because they are just pretty...

Winston

The King of Kings:

DDB@OCR

Quote:

Originally Posted by BSki

Ok, I keep hearing the phrase.......

You'll hear a lot of things about King HeadSet's....except the word 'failure'.

Fired Yo Momma

Don't forget the CK hubs...that will hit you hard on the wallet. I was kind of curious what makes the CK hubs so much more expensive compared to the Hopes? Is is just name?

bighit8

I have a king headset on my bighit, super strong and smooth. I have never had to service it since I got it in 2004 I think.Plus its pretty.

gil_caz

ive also never serviced my fsa pig headset at 27 bucks

allison

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

Don't forget the CK hubs...that will hit you hard on the wallet. I was kind of curious what makes the CK hubs so much more expensive compared to the Hopes? Is is just name?

You want expensive?? Look into the DT Swiss 190 hubs! If only I were a millionaire....

G-Ride

I still have a rasta King headset that's probably 9 years old. It's been on 4 bikes now and just as smooth as day one. Also another vote for FSA. Pretty good quality for the price.

CK hubs are some of the lightest, strongest hubs out there. The engagement system, IMO, is far superior to standard 3-pawl hubs, especially when ratcheting around a switchback or difficult tech section. They are also among the easiest hubs to service, and Chris King has awesome customer service in general.

bighit8

P2040010.JPG

P2040011.JPG

P2040012.JPG

See, pretty with the blue.

BSki

Hmm, so they are just bling?

I guess what I am getting at, is this a part I should be concerned about upgrading?

bighit8

No just really reliable, you will probably never replace one.

And yes do buy one.

Nagaredama

Cane Creeks are just as good if not better and cost way less.

dutch

i wouldn't rush out to replace a working headset with a new CK, but if I either had to replace one or was buying for a build, it'd be chris king.

I've got one on my commuter bike, I figure I beat the crap out of it, better to have a nice headset than to worry about servicing it.

DownhillWebKook

You see a lot of people talking about how long they last. I have had some King headsets for many years that have been used for everything from XC to DH. They just keep working and I don't have to think too much about it. They're not bad looking either.

I think a lot of other headsets work just as well, but how long is really the question.

BrewMaster

What exactly does a headset do that makes CK so worth it? I understand they last forever, but are they functionally any better than the cheaper otions?

bighit8

Well here is the thing Sam: you can buy a Kia for really cheap and have to replace it several times, or you can buy a Toyota for more and will last for along time.

lmnop

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

What exactly does a headset do that makes CK so worth it? I understand they last forever, but are they functionally any better than the cheaper otions?

There was an article in Bike magazine a while back about the move of the factory from SB to Redding and the environmental practice and protocol that King follows. Compare this with the products from China or Taiwan, and you start to see how this stuff gets pricey.

Red Hot Sloth · 02:41 PM

When I built my last and most recent bike, the "Heckler", I figured I would finally try one out. It works flawlessly.
On my previous builds of two other bikes I used a Cane Creek S-2 or S-3, It works flawlessly as well. The Cane Creek is currently on my hardtail, and is now 6 or 7 years old, I think I payed like $30 or $35 for it. My Chris King is 2 years old.
Was it worth it? to pay over a hundie for this? Well, time will tell. If it lasts ten years...yeah, it will be worth it.
I just wanted it for the novelty of bling. If you have the money, and aren't strapped when doing a build, or just plain "want" to upgrade, I say sure, why not. But if your kinda strapped and are doing a build, and it comes down to that or spending a little extra somewhere you will notice the difference like a fork or a shock, then by all means, wait on getting the CK. Use what you have, or buy a less expensive one until the time comes you have some cash to spend.
I'm sure the purchase will be worth it in the long run.
It's not always the bike, but the rider, unless you need strength and security knowing your going to hit the gnar gnar...then its best to spend a little extra for safety sake...and of course this bling is a perk

BSki

Thanks RHS, thats what I was looking for.

Thanks all for the input.


BSki Senior Member	King of Kings? Ok, I keep hearing the phrase almost in a hush much like when referring to the Holy Grail. Whats so special about a "Chris King" headset? Keep in mind I am on a stock Spec FSR and a complete n00b when it comes to parts. From my understanding, a headset is only good for compressing the bar spacers prior to tightening the stem. Edjumacate me please. __________________ Brewmaster: I enjoy wearing tights.


allison Trail Paparazzi	I like mine because they are just pretty... __________________ My Blog The Path Crank Brothers


Winston Bad 5%	The King of Kings: __________________ "optimal would of course be cyborg chicks, but then civilization would fail to exist since no dudes would get married (not joking here!!)" -dft


Fired Yo Momma Client 9	Don't forget the CK hubs...that will hit you hard on the wallet. I was kind of curious what makes the CK hubs so much more expensive compared to the Hopes? Is is just name? __________________ And the hangovers hurt more than they used to And corn bread and ice tea took the place of pills and 80 proof And it seems like none of us do the things quite like we used to do And nobody wants to get high on the town And all my rowdy friends have settled down -Hank Williams Jr.


bighit8 STR Veteran	I have a king headset on my bighit, super strong and smooth. I have never had to service it since I got it in 2004 I think.Plus its pretty. __________________ DINO BROWN:I am a BIG fan of the G-Spot! You can quote me on that! ELSHIVA:Hey, what can a girl say? Trust me, that much vibration was NOT enjoyable......


gil_caz JfromLV Fan Club viceprez	ive also never serviced my fsa pig headset at 27 bucks


G-Ride Freeriding is both	I still have a rasta King headset that's probably 9 years old. It's been on 4 bikes now and just as smooth as day one. Also another vote for FSA. Pretty good quality for the price. CK hubs are some of the lightest, strongest hubs out there. The engagement system, IMO, is far superior to standard 3-pawl hubs, especially when ratcheting around a switchback or difficult tech section. They are also among the easiest hubs to service, and Chris King has awesome customer service in general.


Nagaredama Stray Bullet	Cane Creeks are just as good if not better and cost way less.


dutch Senior Member	i wouldn't rush out to replace a working headset with a new CK, but if I either had to replace one or was buying for a build, it'd be chris king. I've got one on my commuter bike, I figure I beat the crap out of it, better to have a nice headset than to worry about servicing it.


DownhillWebKook l'homme plus	The Kings are solid... You see a lot of people talking about how long they last. I have had some King headsets for many years that have been used for everything from XC to DH. They just keep working and I don't have to think too much about it. They're not bad looking either. I think a lot of other headsets work just as well, but how long is really the question. __________________ Downhill Web Kook Git sum!


BrewMaster Treading Trodden Trails	What exactly does a headset do that makes CK so worth it? I understand they last forever, but are they functionally any better than the cheaper otions? __________________ Above all accomplishments, character matters most.


Red Hot Sloth White is the new Red	When I built my last and most recent bike, the "Heckler", I figured I would finally try one out. It works flawlessly. On my previous builds of two other bikes I used a Cane Creek S-2 or S-3, It works flawlessly as well. The Cane Creek is currently on my hardtail, and is now 6 or 7 years old, I think I payed like $30 or $35 for it. My Chris King is 2 years old. Was it worth it? to pay over a hundie for this? Well, time will tell. If it lasts ten years...yeah, it will be worth it. I just wanted it for the novelty of bling. If you have the money, and aren't strapped when doing a build, or just plain "want" to upgrade, I say sure, why not. But if your kinda strapped and are doing a build, and it comes down to that or spending a little extra somewhere you will notice the difference like a fork or a shock, then by all means, wait on getting the CK. Use what you have, or buy a less expensive one until the time comes you have some cash to spend. I'm sure the purchase will be worth it in the long run. It's not always the bike, but the rider, unless you need strength and security knowing your going to hit the gnar gnar...then its best to spend a little extra for safety sake...and of course this bling is a perk __________________ "This is America, we are supposed to be the best at everything...Period" Charles Barkley Last edited by Red Hot Sloth : 02-04-2008 at 02:41 PM. Reason: my crappy spelling

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