Need help with one last thing on my bike.

[SoCal Life]

Everyone on here has been really helpful and I have one more question for everyone. I've almost got everything for my bike:

'04 Enudro Expert frame/Pushed Float RL
Rockshox Tora 318
WTB Dual Duty Wheelset
Avid BB5 brakes
Raceface stem
Bontrager Race x lite riser bars
X.7 R-Derailleur
XT F-Derailleur
X.9 Shifters(about to order)
Raceface Prodigy DH cranks(about to order)
SRAM Cassette and Chain(about to order)
WTB Rocket SLT Saddle

And all the little stuff to finish except one thing. I need a Headset. I can't afford a Chris King, since this is a budget build. And there are just so many I have not idea which ones are good. I've checked all the reviews on mtbr, but I still have no idea.

Can anyone recomend a good headset under $50. Thanks

[tkblazer]

this cane creek looks like a good deal, has sealed bearings

CANE CREEK S-3 HEADSET at JensonUSA.com

this fsa has ball bearing upper and needle bearings on the lower cups

FSA ORBIT UF THREADLESS HEADSET at JensonUSA.com

i'm sure any of the headsets around $40-60 will be perfectly fine.

[Smirnus]

I second the Cane Creek, I'm using the same on on my Marin.

[Pain Freak]

My last FSA Orbit didn't last me 6 months. I do like their products overall, but I've had 2 Orbits and neither one lasted longer then 6 months. I know people who prefer the Cane Creek over the Chris KIng. I've never worn out a Chris King though.

[SScheetz]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

My last FSA Orbit didn't last me 6 months. I do like their products overall, but I've had 2 Orbits and neither one lasted longer then 6 months. I know people who prefer the Cane Creek over the Chris KIng. I've never worn out a Chris King though.

I use King, but I may use Cane Creek on my next build; first because it’s a very good design and, second, because of the reasonable costs. My last FSA Orbit lasted less than 6 month also.

[MTBMaven]

I have a Chris King but would not spend the money on one again based on some threads I've read on MTBR, after I purchased my King. Sure the King is bling (a poet I know, d@mn that was good ), but there are plenty of very good headset for far less money. The Cane Creek S-2 is pretty much the best headset for the money.

The post on MTBR basically stated that headsets of yesteryear were crap until King, and a few others, came along and challenged the industry to produce a quality, sealed headset. So long as the headset is installed properly, meaning seated evenly in the frame, a headset like the Cane Creek will perform just as well as a King.

[Abui]

Cane Creek S-3.

$26.98 at pricepoint.

[BeantownRider]

I'm a bit of a Race Face whore, but I've had good luck with the Diabolus. It's got nice deep stainless steel cups with nice sealed bearings, really a nice simple but stout design. It's not a king, but I've had bad luck with cane creek bearings. I think they run about $60 on pricepoint.

[SoCal Life]

Thanks guys, just the info I needed. I'm ordering all the other stuff from Bluesky Cycling and they have a Cane Creek S3 for $29, so I'll be getting that.

[Pho'dUp]

The Cane Creek S3 and S2 are pretty good. Especially for the money. I've used both. Just be sure to drop the fork every so often and look at your bearings if you tend to hose your bike when washing. They don't seal as well as King and I've found oxidation on the lower bearings before.

[bananaseat]

very cool to hear your building a new bike. your next noble canyon ride will be a blast!