Need a new headset ...

[SpydieNut]

Hi all - I have a Kona Explosif and need a new headset. Not sure if the last one got wet or just wasn't tight enough, but it's now notchy.

So - any recommendations for a decent headset, that's not too pricy. I would prefer it to be sealed .

Many thanks

[Fluffsri]

I swear by Hope Headsets. I have had one for 10 years now, serviced it once and its now in my 4th frame.

[metalsteve]

I replaced the crappy headset on my kona caldera with a FSA orbit extreme pro from merlin cycles. Amazed at the difference it made to the bike. To be honest any decent sealed cartridge bearing headset will be a big improvement over the cheapo factory fitted headset.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/road-parts/r...

[Digga]

Fluffsri said:

I swear by Hope Headsets. I have had one for 10 years now, serviced it once and its now in my 4th frame.

Hope are not bad at all, although I have had to have new bearings in both my bikes running them; one a 2009 build hardtail and the other a 2010 build 160mm full susser. I suspect the Cannock Chase grime, plus a fondness for saving on tyre wear (i.e. the odd little jump) may be contributory, but nonetheless they don't last forever.

Verdict still out (for a good while yet!) on the Chris King we put into the 200mm downhill bike a couple of months back...

[Fluffsri]

Digga said:

Hope are not bad at all, although I have had to have new bearings in both my bikes running them; one a 2009 build hardtail and the other a 2010 build 160mm full susser. I suspect the Cannock Chase grime, plus a fondness for saving on tyre wear (i.e. the odd little jump) may be contributory, but nonetheless they don't last forever.

Verdict still out (for a good while yet!) on the Chris King we put into the 200mm downhill bike a couple of months back...

You cant beat a KK headset, they have a 10 yr warrenty, I just didnt have KK money at the time LOL

[SpydieNut]

thanks all - they look great. £40ish was what i'd hoped to spend - i'm sure the dearer ones are better, but for my riding (15-17miles on the road every other day) they'd be a bit of overkill

thanks for the link Steve - that FSA orbit extreme pro looks lovely and the price seems *very* good as well.

Edited by SpydieNut on Tuesday 24th July 14:16

[Digga]

SpydieNut said:

15-17miles on the road every other day

Given that nugget, plus the budget, I'd say you've made a decent choice.

Keep an eye on the headset adjustment as it beds in. Don;t go mad tightening it, but equally don't leave slack to develop.

[SpydieNut]

cheers - i guess it would have helped if i'd put in the original post what type of riding i do . it's certainly not the most taxing way for the bike to be used, but up and down the hills around our house, on knobbly tyres, it gives a decent workout (averaging around 17mph). i think it would help to be sealed though - as i want to be able to ride whatever the weather, without my bike corroding away beneath me

if/when i build up the endurance and start pushing more miles, i may get another bike - but for now, as the main reason for doing it is cardiovascular fitness, i feel there's not much point getting a better/quicker bike - as it means for the same effort, i'll just go further. that may not make sense to many - but if i have an hour to spend, then i'll push it as hard as i can in that time - but the miles covered aren't really that important to me.

the explosif is a nice bike with decent components (let down only by the headset it would seem )

many thanks again

[Digga]

FWIW and IMHO Kona generally make very good, durable bikes. I know guys riding £300 3rd/4th hand Kona downhill bikes that are still prefectly serviceable.