On Sep 18, 7:24 am, autopi <
[email protected]> wrote:
> I'm interested in hearing what people have to say about CK headset as
> well. One of framing the question is like this: suppose CK headsets
> (properly installed, etc.) last X times longer than a cheaper headset
> (properly installed, etc.). But CK headsets also cost Y times more
> than the cheaper headsets. So is X greater than Y, once we factor in
> costs such as removal and installation of replacement cheaper
> headsets?
>
> For example, from a quick glance at Nashbar, you can get a Cane Creek
> C-1 threadless for about $30. I believe market rate for CK's is ~
> $120-130? Let's say 4 times more expensive. Assume they cost the same
> to install, so we can factor that out. I'm guessing that removing &
> replacing a pitted headset costs ~$30 (correct me if I'm wrong.) That
> means for the cost of a CK headset ($120), you can get one Cane Creek
> ($30), wear it out, replace it with a new one ($60, parts & labor) and
> go halfway towards wearing that one out (namely, $30 worth).
>
> Of course, things come out different if you can do your own labor.
> Also, I'm assuming that the need to remove and replace a headset falls
> under "normal maintenance." Perhaps if you don't ride in bad
> conditions, and/or take care of occasional maintenance you'll never
> need to replace even a cheap HS, in which case one should obviously
> get the cheap one--i.e., if the CK is a solution to a non-existent
> problem. I don't know if this is the case or not.
I have a Chris King headset on my racing bike because I got the frame
as a free replacement and was feeling foolish with my money. But I
knew I was being foolish because decent headsets rarely ever **** out.
I agree with Chalo that the King headset is a waste of money. Plus,
its not like the old days when you had to replace pitted cups and
races. Now you just throw in a new bearing cartridge. So, even with
the cheap Cane Creeks, you just change bearings and not the whole
headset. As for hubs, I have never owned King hubs, but many love
them. I would consider them for cyclocross or mtb or some other high
stress, high gunk application -- and if I won the lottery. But on the
road, I have gotten excellent service from ordinary Ultegra hubs
riding 6 months a year in the rain. In fact, I got better service out
of my Ultegra hubs than my ancient Phil hubs ('75) with rubber wipers
rather than labrynth seals like on the Ultegra. -- Jay Beattie.