Chris King InSet 1 - 44mm 1 1/8 inch Headset

InSet is the latest addition to the Chris King NoThreadSet family. InSet is a low-stack threadless headset designed for use with contemporary frames featuring what would traditionally be called oversized headtubes. As times have changed, so have the designs of many of our favorite bicycles. These new large headtubes allow frame manufacturers greater surface area on which to attach top tubes and down tubes with the overall result being improved frame strength and rigidity. We pride ourselves on adapting Chris' forward-thinking original modular designs into ever-evolving configurations to meet most new bicycle designs. The Chris King InSet now brings King's legendary bearing quality and time-tested durability to even more bicycle models.

We began testing InSet in early 2008 by working with a number of custom framebuilders in every frame material available today. As of late February 2009, we are close to the completion of our final phase of testing which includes a number of custom bicycles showcased at the 2009 National Handmade Bicycle Show in Indianapolis. Further, InSet has been chosen by one of the most prominent international mountain bike teams as official team equipment for the 2009 season. (Official announcement will be made March 5th). With this final round of feedback now coming in, we expect to have limited rollout of InSet through the spring with greater availability in June of this year.

What is InSet? Is it an internal headset?InSet is a Chris King headset, plain and simply stated. User-serviceable stainless steel bearings, aluminum cups, bearing cap and stem cap. It's a member of the NoThreadSet family with the same ten-year warranty. While it may look different than a standard King NoThreadSet, it adheres to Chris' firm standing that both bearings should be fixed in place. It's a Chris King headset but with a different attachment style. It can best be described as a low-stack height headset. We've said for years that we would not produce a loose,drop-in bearing style headset. Still saying it.

What bikes are compatible with InSet?Inset is compatible with any bike with dimensions that match the existing standards to which we've produced InSet. For example, for 1 1-8"" you will need the inner diameter (ID) of the bicycle headtube to be 44mm (+0, -.05). There are a number of bicycles in the market now with compatible headtubes such as Giant and Pivot mountain bikes. InSet is not a proprietary system to King or any specific frame manufacturer.If the numbers match up, you've got compatibility.

What about tapered headtubes & steerer tubes?InSet will be available in as many configurations as there are bicycles coming out today. We expect to meet demands for straight 1 1-8"" and tapered (1 1-8 to 1.5) at first. There are even some examples of frames using an InSet style top bearing with an external type cup on the lower. As usual with King, we can make just about any combination of headset you can dream up. From mixed sizes to a range of color options, we can make it.

How important is Reaming and Facing of the headtube?The proper reaming and facing of your frame's headtube is absolutely essential with InSet. We expect demand for Reaming and Facing tools will be greater than we can keep pace with at first. We intend to produce tools in concert with the release of this headset, however availability will be limited through the summer of 2009. Please check with your favorite bike shop for details.

Note: InSet is not a replacement for, or a solution to, loose drop-in bearing style headsets. Further, we do not advocate modifying your internal-style headtube to allow for the dimensions of this headset unless authorized by the frame manufacturer. In this rare case, exact dimensions must be met to allow for compatibility. InSet is most likely not a solution to a backward looking problem so much as it is a compatibility option for contemporary bicycles.

Occasionally, without notice, manufacturers change product design and/or specifications.