Expectation Guarantee

Your package came in the mail, wohoo! You unwrap it like it’s Christmas, but discover that the item you received is nothing like what you thought. Maybe the size was wrong, maybe the chrome didn’t sparkle like you thought it would.  Maybe there was one scratch too many. Online shopping can be hit and miss. We prefer the hits. Refunds available. Please read our policies here.

Getting Your Size Right

Headsets may seem a little tricky because of the sheer quantity of options available. This should simplify it a bit.

The first thing you need to know is the diameter of your steerer tube and the inner diameter of your frame’s head tube.

Click image to enlarge

There are 3 basic types, integrated, semi-integrated and external headsets. The one you’ll need is entirely dependent on your frame. As a rule of thumb, bikes that have 1″ steerer tubes will use external headsets, 1-1/8″ steerer tubes can be any of the three. 

If you have a 1″ threaded steerer, your choice is simple, you’ll need an external / threaded headset.

If your 1″ steerer tube is threadless, you will need to look for a external / threadless headset.

External
Integrated / Semi-integrated

If the inner diameter frame’s head tube is 30mm, you’ll want to find an external headset. Over 30mm (35-40mm) and you will need either a semi-integrated headset, or fully integrated. 

Fully integrated headsets will only work with frames that are designed to seat the bearings directly into the frame’s head tube (see diagram).  These frames are very specific to the size bearing and bearings angle. 

My Bike Build Progress 80%