What type of headset will fit my bike?
A common question and we've put together a
step-by-step guide to help you determine what size and standard your bike requires.
How do I install my threadless headset?
While relatively straightforward, headset installation does require some mechanical knowledge of bikes and certain specialty tools. We suggest heading down to your local bike shop and letting a professional mechanic take care of your installation. But if you want to do it yourself... check out our
instructional video on headset installation and reference your Owner's Manual.
Does my threadless headset need maintenance and, if so, how should I take care of this?
Yes, all moving parts on your bike should be regularly serviced and your headset is no different. Check out our instructional video on
headset maintenance for a quick walk-through.
How do I adjust my threadless headset?
It's a good idea to periodically check for good headset adjustment. There should be no looseness, play or knocking in the headset. If you detect any of these, then your headset should be adjusted. It's a relatively simple, straightforward task and we've created a
short video to walk you through the process.
If Cane Creek owns the patent on the threadless headset, why are there other brands on the market?
We do own the threadless headset patent and introduced the technology to the industry. We manufacture our own headsets and have licensed the technology to a number of manufacturing partners and threadless headset licensees. They include Crank Brothers, Dia-Compe Taiwan, DT Swiss, Eastern, FSA (Tien Shin), Hope Technology, King Cycle Group, Race Face, Ritchey, Stronglight and Syncros. Each of these companies utilize our threadless technology under our patent.
Well then, who should I call with questions?
The simple answer is if it's branded Cane Creek, we're your first stop for any service/technical questions. If not, you can always contact the branded company directly. As the definitive source on threadless headsets, feel free to call us with any of your questions (regardless of brand) and we'll do our best to help.
Why is a compression ring so critical to threadless headset technology?
The compression ring creates a solid interface between the steerer tube and bearing, eliminating movement in the steerer. This keeps the steerer tube centered under various loads.
Do I have to use Interlok Spacers with Cane Creek headsets?
No, but here's why you might want to consider doing so. Our patented Interlok spacer design provides solid interface between the top cover and spacer stack; and our "Scalloped" spacers shave 25% in weight off a standard alloy spacer stack.
What are the advantages of threadless over threaded headsets?
Threadless headsets reconfigure the way the frame, fork and stem go together, thereby making the steering assembly lighter, simpler and more functional with better feel.
A threadless headset serves double duty by tying the threadless steering tube to the frame and setting the stem position on the steerer. As a result, threadless systems eliminate headset locknuts and the stem wedge and quill, saving up to a half-pound compared to threaded systems. Equally important is the savings of time, tools and labor—once the headset cups and crown are in place, one 5mm hex wrench sets the bearing-preload bolt and tightens the stem bolts.
Threadless headsets are also much less likely to rattle loose, and they can be kept in check with the same simple 5mm adjustment. Finally, the stem/steerer interface is much more secure—instead of a prone-to-flex stem quill rising out of a steering tube, the stem clamps around the steerer tube.
How does AheadSet fit into the Cane Creek product line?
The AheadSet was the original threadless headset. AheadSet has found a niche as a product line of quality value-oriented threadless headsets, many of which come as original equipment on new bikes. Cane Creek threadless headsets are more high-end, using leading-edge designs with high-quality materials.
