1-1/8" headsets with split crown race?

[NickJP]

I'm looking for a standard external cup 1-1/8" headset that uses a split crown race, but when I look at either web merchants websites or manufacturers websites, I can't see information on whether a particular headset has such a race. The few local bike shops I have are pretty useless for parts. Can anyone recommend a particular headset - middle of the road so far as cost goes.

[Valbrona]

We don't know what you mean.

It is only integrated headset that use split crown races. And crown races they are not - they are just collets. Most integrated headsets nowadays come with split collets, so you would be unlucky to get one that doesn't.

Or by the term 'external cups' do you mean headsets where you press cups into the headtube? These typically use loose ball bearings so by default need crown races that cannot be split.

FSA integrated headsets will by default come with a split collet. Hope integrated headsets are good because the parts can be bought separetely, including split collets.

Or do you want an external cup headset that uses cartridge bearings as opposed to loose balls?

[Bez]

We don't know what you mean.

Well, *you* might not

It’s not just integrated headsets that come with split races (they’re not races, but everyone calls them races nonetheless); that component is basically independent of headset type anyway.

Some headsets do come with split races but it’s hard to tell: the FSA XLII for instance sometimes did and sometimes didn’t. However, obviously assuming you’re using a headset that takes cartridge bearings, you can simply take a hacksaw and cut the race. I nearly always do that to mine.

[KM2]

The split race and sealed bearing must match in angle, otherwise they won’t marry together properly.

[Bez]

The split race and sealed bearing must match in angle, otherwise they won’t marry together properly.

But assuming you buy a headset and don’t then start swapping parts with other headsets, that won’t be an issue.

[iandriver]

Seem to recall my hope headset came with a split crown race. Not unheard of to just put a hacksaw through a non split one as noted above

[pwa]

Seem to recall my hope headset came with a split crown race. Not unheard of to just put a hacksaw through a non split one as noted above

Hope do have split "races" but may be above the price bracket requested. I got a bike shop to put a Hope headset on a frame for me and the bloke said it went on easier than most.

[KM2]

Try eBay, Chinese supply, I bought a couple thinking they might wear out quickly but it’s still going strong on a winter bike.