Bicycle Headsets Steer You In The Right Direction

Bike headsets have not changed much over the years, basically they are two sets of bearings at the front of the bike so you can steer where you want to go. The headset goes between the steering column and the frame and allows you to turn the front wheel with the handlebars, so you can go round corners.

The first headsets bolted to a threaded steering column, then the A-Headset was invented, this was held together by the bolts on the stem, which clamps to the column and is adjusted by a bolt on the top going down into an expander. Since then the headset has been incorporated into the frame itself, to make the hidden-set, which is more aerodynamic and makes the front of your bike look much more neater and uncluttered.

Shimano and Campagnolo are the biggest makers of all headsets, but there are other very nice headsets on the market. Cane Creak, ITM, Stronglight and Chris King. The best ones are made with roller bearings instead of normal ball bearing, rollers are easier to adjust and should last longer. Some of these can be very expensive, for something that doesn’t do very much, but there is nothing worse than having a lose, tight or a headset with worn bearings, so that your steering is not smooth and responsive.

If your headset is fitted properly, cleaned and greased regularly and well looked after, it should last a long time and shouldn’t need replacing for many years, in dry countries it could last as long as the frame.