What headset do I need?

[Synchromesh]

I've got a Giant Escape (about 3 years old) and the headset is very loose, with lots of play. I therefore want a new one but the bike shops I've tried have quoted me £50 and £80 to replace it. I'm not hugely mechanically competent but willing to give things a try so thinking I'll just save the money and give it a go myself.

However, I've got no idea what headset to actually buy and Google is not being my friend, so was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction e.g. the size needed, the brand to go for (given I want half-decent quality but don't want to spend more than say, £25 on it), and whether to get threaded or threadless (whatever that means),

Thanks in advance

[Stugots]

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/workshop...

Biker radar site is the bks for info. Have a look see thru that lot, you may only need a tweek.

[metalsteve]

I'd guess at it being a 1 1/8" threadless headset, i would post a message on bikeradar to get confirmation.

The FSA mx comp is a good bit of kit for the money http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Road+Parts...

removing the old headset cups and fitting the new ones to the frame is relatively simple if you are confident of what you are doing and can be done cheaply using a home made headset press (some M12 threaded rod, nuts and big washers) otherwise get your local bike shop to fit it for you.

[curlie467]

Yours most likely will want a strip clean and regrease, then set it up properly. I can`t imagine it would be knackered.

Bike radar as posted previously is excellent at technical advice, as is the park tools website and even you tube.

It will be easier to look at one of these videos than to have someone explain it, they are simple to look after and easy to replace if you do need a new one but if you can get away with a clean and regrease then do this and treat it into the first step of looking after your bike, it is better than paying someone to do it for you and satisfying to boot.