Modern Headsets!

[xerxes]

Re:

Do you have a plan to halt the march of 'progress'?

Certainly not, but how much of what is sold as "new and improved", is genuine and how much is marketing and built in redundancy to either persuade us, or force us, to throw away what we have and replace it?

I'd say that bicycles have largely avoided this tactic, but I think it's creeping in.

 

[JamesM]

Re:

Do you have a plan to halt the march of 'progress'?

Certainly not, but how much of what is sold as "new and improved", is genuine and how much is marketing and built in redundancy to either persuade us, or force us, to throw away what we have and replace it?

I'd say that bicycles have largely avoided this tactic, but I think it's creeping in.

Totally agree, and it somewhat dents the bicycles green credentials too doesn't it!!!

 

[twain]

Re: Re:

I think the day of the press fit headset is nearing its end. What we need is headsets with cups that screw into the frame, that would be a good idea!!! :mrgreen:

bit like hollowtech II bottom brackets then, but for your head tube
surely that can be done now? just thread your head tube yeah, screw 'em in & bobs your uncle

 

[mechanical_vandal]

Threads work for BBs coz they spin mostly in one direction. Headsets move equal amounts in either direction.

Also, the days of the threaded bb are most likely numbered with a move to press in bearings and the associated inbuilt redundancy/unreliability already underway.

 

[twain]

Threads work for BBs coz they spin mostly in one direction. Headsets move equal amounts in either direction.

Also, the days of the threaded bb are most likely numbered with a move to press in bearings and the associated inbuilt redundancy/unreliability already underway.

so bottom brackets are turning to the already seemingly antiquated method of press in headsets?
why dont we just do away with bearings altogether and have plastic, self lubricating bushings for bottom brackets and headsets....?? surely this isnt much of a strecth for todays material technologists??

 

[Rampage]

Re: Re:

I think the day of the press fit headset is nearing its end. What we need is headsets with cups that screw into the frame, that would be a good idea!!! :mrgreen:

bit like hollowtech II bottom brackets then, but for your head tube
surely that can be done now? just thread your head tube yeah, screw 'em in & bobs your uncle

It'll create all the problems of bearings wearing out very quick like the HT2 did.
So it'll probably happen.

Again, loads of different headset standards means the small bike shops have to keep all the different types of headset to keep everyone happy.

 

[greencat]

Do you have a plan to halt the march of 'progress'?

Sure, I do. Only buy stuff that meets the existing standards unless there's a tangible improvement. If I, and enough others, keep buying 1 and 1/8 non tapered/non whatever headsets - someone will keep supplying them.

 

[Rampage]

Do you have a plan to halt the march of 'progress'?

Sure, I do. Only buy stuff that meets the existing standards unless there's a tangible improvement. If I, and enough others, keep buying 1 and 1/8 non tapered/non whatever headsets - someone will keep supplying them.

Yes, the companies in China that make the low end ones!

 

[mechanical_vandal]

Do you have a plan to halt the march of 'progress'?

Sure, I do. Only buy stuff that meets the existing standards unless there's a tangible improvement. If I, and enough others, keep buying 1 and 1/8 non tapered/non whatever headsets - someone will keep supplying them.

If you want to buy a new suspension fork with a straight steerer you'll have very little to choose from. Bottom of the range Rockshox or suntour etc. almost nothing with more that 120mm travel. 25.4mm bars and stems are a similar story. Square taper mtb cranks? Frames with rim brake mounts?

 

[greencat]

All I can do is vote with my wallet as I don't see why the laws of cycle shopping should be different to any other kind of consumerism. Obviously, enough other cyclists love this explosion of new standards or go no further than moaning on a discussion forum about it.

Personally, I'm not seeing a shortage of good quality "normal" sized headsets at the moment. But if there were, and also sufficient latent demand, then I'm sure new producers would emerge.