Chris King worth it? I think so

[thehappyotter]

I've just fitted a new Chris King headset to my P7 after running a WTB one since January.

The P7 frame seems to be terrible for collecting water and the headset seemed to be taking the brunt of it. The bottom bearings were in a terrible condition and you could feel it click as it moved. The amount of wet gunk where grease should have been was amazing.

I fitted the new King headset yesterday and all is smooth again, i'm told it will last forever too.

What experiences do you all have of King headsets, was it worth it?

Also, should I drill my bottom bracket to let out the water, what is Orange's view when it comes to warranty?

[Trooper2]

I had a Chris King Titanium headset on an old road bike, I think it would have withstood a nuclear blast...

[BadgerBenji]

Had mine for over 10 years on my mountain bike, seen loads of use, not a thing wrong with it. You used to even be able to buy individual spares which was great as I wanted a spare crown race for a second set of forks. Good purchase.

[Rico]

Got Chris Kings on both bikes. A true fit and forget product. Not cheap but worth it. I've even moved headsets from one frame to another and they still fit ultra tight. Great bit of kit.

I bought my last one from www.aspirevelotech.com in the States. Apparently it costs $14 according to Mr. Customs

[vrooom]

That is good example of bike jewellery, if nothing else.

[Trooper2]

vrooom said:

That is good example of bike jewellery, if nothing else.

They may come in pretty colors but you'd be hard pressed to find a better headset than a Chris King.

[Xenocide]

I replaced my WTB today too. The bearings were, as you say, knackered.

[neil_bolton]

Trooper2 said:

vrooom said:

That is good example of bike jewellery, if nothing else.

They may come in pretty colors but you'd be hard pressed to find a better headset than a Chris King.

Indeed they do look very nice.

Just because something is bling and expensive doesn't stop it from being the best ever design and a must have.

Simply fantastic value for money considering how long they last.

[thehappyotter]

I untend on keeping the P7 for many years and wanted one which will last just as long.

I figured it better to get one decent one over that life cycle that 5 less decent ones. It does look cool too. Bonus.

Edited by thehappyotter on Sunday 1st July 01:48

[JWB]

CK headsets are worth every penny. The quality is excellent, a true fit and forget.


Story......

I bought a new bike and rode it a lot in some real crap weather and conditions. I got through two XT bottom brackets, had to replace the bearings in my hubs, rebuild my pedals etc in 6 months. I was talking to the mechanics in the shop about my CK headset, wondering if I should strip it, clean and re grease, they looked at each other and said, "Mmmm, maybe in ten years time."

6 years later its still as sweet as a nut.

[Bat Fink]

Same goes for their hubs. superb engineering.

Seven years of riding and only needed a spot of lube and the odd true. CK headset will replace the current one when it wears out.

Always by their kit from the US, masses cheaper, truly and waranty issues aren't common as you'd expect.

[moleamol]

I agree with the above they are fantastic and worth the money. If you can't quite afford it though the Hope headset is a brilliant alternative for half the price.

[DBSV8]

Have got one fitted to my Colnago C50 the only part not campag or Colnago
Chris King very good bit of kit