AheadSet .Zs Zero Stack (Internal), Black

This was my first "non-OEM" headset install - and I'm a fan (will update as I get more miles on it)The cups (essentially the bearing races in the ZS arrangement) are sturdy and probably a bit heavy - which I appreciate as a clyde and home-garage mechanic. The unit includes O-rings top and bottom for moisture/crud resistance. The caged ball bearings themselves seem pretty typical. It also includes a star nut, a cap+bolt and the crown race.Install notes:- bearings need to be lubed- It felt tight after initially installing, but after lubricating the o-rings it was quite smooth [not in docs - opinion only]- setting the crown race on a new fork is probably best done by the LBS if you haven't done it beforeAs another reviewer noted, the Aheadset is "all but unmentioned" by its manufacturer Cane Creek (only reference is in the FAQ as a "value line" of products). But-- it seems to be a sturdy, well-made component, replacement bearings and seals are on the Cane Creek website. With periodic lubrication it should last a long time.- J

I crashed my bike and broke my front fork which also damaged my headset by the steerer tube pushing the bearings into the sleeve that they ride in. Would probably have damaged any headset with the amount of leverage, lucky it didn't bend my headtube.I was looking at a lot of fancy ones but thought to myself, my old headset did not have sealed bearings and it worked fine until I manged to crash my bike. My old headset was also a aheadset. So I figured this is all I would need and it probably is. I doubt a fancy sealed bearing one will be that much better. The old aheadset, similar to this one, seemed to be like new when taking it out and I really punished my bike.Anyway, it works well and steering was as smooth as ever. The only issue is that the top cap is cheap plastic and will probably crack if you try and torque it down too much. This was not an issue because I used my old cap on my old headset as that was not damaged.This comes with a star nut.

Ordered this a few months ago for my bike, and I gotta say it gets the job done. Some things to know about this item:- The bearings need to be greased. When I first opened it up, it seems there was little to no grease in the bearings.- The top cap that goes on top of the stem is cheap plastic. It broke when I screwed in the bolt for the starnut. I didn't even put that much torque into it.Overall, this is a great product. It is cheap, but does the same job as the FSA ZS3 headset which I previously used. Only difference is the loose ball bearings.

I ordered this headset to go in my Gary Fisher Cobia 29er that is mainly used on the greenway. Since this is a spare bike I did not want to spend a lot of money. I was pleased to see that it is made by cane creek. This is not a top of the line but is comparable to the stock headset I had.Only issues I have is the description on Amazon is not the best for this headset and others. You have to go to other sources to see if it fits. Also do not use the cap it comes with use another better made cap.

I installed this headset into a Leader Illuminati frame. Installation was simple and the fit was perfect.Didn't ride the bike so I can't say how good it is riding other than to say there was very little resistance when a fork was installed.Recommended.

Great budget set. Includes every headset part needed. And it's from Cane Creek.

Good headset for the price

First of all,I'm a 100% believer in the ZS system.It's one of the best innovations yet.The Aheadset ZS works great but the stem cap is made of a composite/plastic.I didn't realize this until it arrived.Those novel gear shaped notches you see in the photo BARELY exceed the bore of the tube vice.While too much torque is not good for the bearings,you can't put any extra stress on this cap at all or IT WILL BREAK!I don't like plastic parts anyway,especially at stress points,but using it for the apex of the front-end assembly is just wrong... the rest is a sturdy piece of equipment.Although these sets are made of steel and low on the bucks,Aheadset ZS's should have an alloy stem cap.(you don't see plastic on other brands)For the"crowning touch"on an otherwise solid system,this topper sure is a weak choice.Needless to say,I bought an inexpensive alloy replacement with a clean profile that tops off nicely.I give five stars for strong cups,smooth bearings,good seals,proper fit,and value...minus two for ruining it with that piece of crap they call a cap!