I need to replace the OEM headset on my workhorse roadbike, a Specialized Allez E5 frame, 2002 vintage (Actually I’ve been riding it since November 2001, so I’ve gotten 3 years of use out of the cheap headset).
Is it worth upgrading to the IS-6 level to get the stainless steel bearings? Will they last long enough to make the price difference worth it? What about the Solos IS headset? Are there any design differences that make it worth 2/3 more $ than the standard IS-2?
I took the current headset completely apart, including the fork race piece, and lubed the entire thing to death. Still squeaks out of the saddle. I’ve had ZERO issues with it until the last couple of months.
For those dying to rant about the whole IS concept…please save your breath…I’m already convinced that I’ll not own another IS frame…at least until hell freezes over and Chris King makes an IS headset that is up to their quality…I have a CK on my Talon SL…I wish I had the option to put one in the road bike…but I don’t, and unless I can squeeze a bike frame out of you all like Tibbsy, I’m not able to replace the Specialized at this point…so…I just need a new headset…
I need to replace the OEM headset on my workhorse roadbike, a Specialized Allez E5 frame, 2002 vintage (Actually I’ve been riding it since November 2001, so I’ve gotten 3 years of use out of the cheap headset).
Is it worth upgrading to the IS-6 level to get the stainless steel bearings? Will they last long enough to make the price difference worth it? What about the Solos IS headset? Are there any design differences that make it worth 2/3 more $ than the standard IS-2?
I took the current headset completely apart, including the fork race piece, and lubed the entire thing to death. Still squeaks out of the saddle. I’ve had ZERO issues with it until the last couple of months.
For those dying to rant about the whole IS concept…please save your breath…I’m already convinced that I’ll not own another IS frame…at least until hell freezes over and Chris King makes an IS headset that is up to their quality…I have a CK on my Talon SL…I wish I had the option to put one in the road bike…but I don’t, and unless I can squeeze a bike frame out of you all like Tibbsy, I’m not able to replace the Specialized at this point…so…I just need a new headset…
I’m asking which one…
I have an 2002 S-works E5 and just ordered the Aheadset ($25) from Specialized which is owned by CC. However,if you try using the IS-6 you’re going to have to get extra spacers to get good compression at least I did. FWIW I don’t think you’ll see much life or performance improvement. At least I didn’t
FSA (or TH Industries, to be precise…) makes every one of the headsets you are talking about, regardless of the name printed on the outside. Why pay extra money for that name when you can get (essentially) the same thing direct from them?
I have had very good luck with the stainless bearing headsets.
I figured that…I’m shopping for the lowest price…but there seems to be three levels as I read it…and I’ll use the CC names…but you get the idea…IS-2 with standard steel bearings, IS-6 with stainless steel bearings, and the Solos…with stainless bearings and hopefully some other design improvement…Frankly, I’ll probably go with the OEM replacement unless someone can prove one of the others is better…2-3 seasons seems to be the going rate for an IS headset, if taken care of…1 if you tend to trash your bike.