Origin8 Pro Threaded Headset, 1" Steerer, Black

I wanted to replace the original caged bearing headset on the 1993 Cannondale m400 I am restomodding. I had just used their rear break hanger and quill stem adapter on this bike, both of which I was impressed with in performance and fit and finish. I like working on bikes, it very satisfying and relaxing for me. I tell you, this headset replacement went so smooth and the fit was so perfect, I actually was disappointed that it was over so quickly. For the price, I think this component is an excellent value. Looks good, made well and the tolerances were perfect for my bike. A couple notes: pull the bearing cartridges out and add more grease the races, that way they will not fall out or become misaligned during installation. Also, people have commented on their stack height changing. Mine decreased by ~3mm. Sadly, there is no sticker. Booo!

Origin8 makes/markets great stuff. Can't go wrong with anything they make.

This thing is gorgeous! It looks very sharp on the vintage Japanese 10-speed I am restoring. Headset arrived without any dings or scratches and installed without any issues. However - it was quite tight, so I removed it, took apart all bearings, packed everything with grease and re-installed. after that it is smooth as butter. I had no issues with any play after install. The bearings, as others have mentioned are not true "sealed" bearings, but the do snap together quite nicely. I am guessing that any issues people are having may be to the bearings not being properly aligned and snapped together. The other thing to be aware of - is the stack height. The lock nut is a good 2 to 3mm from the top of my steer tube, so I will have to use the top race from my previous headset (after painting it black of course). Even with the two negative things I mentioned, I still give this headset 5 stars and will more than likely purchase another in the future.

My 1990s ish Cannondale was desperately in need of new head set. If 1 inch threaded means anything to you... this is your part. Came with lower fork tube race and all other parts for install.

This headset seems well-made, and I expect it to hold up well. The bearings roll smoothly, and the unit looks good installed. I removed a star because the description mentioned this thing uses sealed cartridge bearings. The bearings used here are basically nicer versions of the same ball-and-cage used on standard headsets, but with a rubber seal and a separate race that sits inside the cup. When I was getting this thing ready to install, I pulled one of the bearing assemblies apart with my fingernail. To put it back together, I had to make sure the rubber seal went back in correctly, as well as paying attention to the way the bearing cage went back in. A true sealed cartridge bearing should not be able to come apart so easily (if at all). Once installed, though, there's no way for this thing to come apart.