We make five different crown race sizes, and they are labeled by “bearing size” first, and “crown race seat diameter” second. For example, a 52/40 crown race will work with a 52mm bearing and 40mm crown race seat diameter. First, figure out what size bearing your lower headset assembly takes. Then, confirm the crown race seat diameter on your fork. If you’re having trouble accurately determining these numbers, please visit your local bike shop for help, or visit theS.H.I.S pageand our “I want to replace the bearing in my Cane Creek headset. What size do I need?” FAQ.

• EC30 will take a 38mm bearing
• EC34 will take a 41mm bearing
• ZS44 will take a 41mm bearing
• ZS49 will take a 41mm bearing
• EC44/40 will take a 52mm bearing
• EC44/33 will take a 47mm bearing
• EC49 will take a 52mm bearing
• ZS56 will take a 52mm bearing
• ZS62 will take a 52mm bearing
• IS41 will take a 41mm bearing
• IS42 will take a 42mm bearing
• IS52 will take a 52mm bearing

All complete Cane Creek headset assemblies (top or bottom) will use a 36×45 degree contact angle bearing, with the exception of our IS47/33 and EC44/33 headset assemblies. IS47/33 and EC44/33 will use a 45×45 degree contact angle bearing.

In most cases you can simply look at the top cover of the headset, all Cane Creek headsets are clearly identified with a model name in this area. OEM headsets may not have a model name or much information at all. In this case you may need to remove certain parts to measure your head tube in order to identify what you have. All Cane Creek models as of 2011 have Standardized Headset Identification System (SHIS) nomenclature marked on the cup for quick identification.

Cane Creek brought threadless headset technology to the bicycle industry in the early 1990s, beginning the revolution in fork and head-tube innovation. We held the patent for nearly 20 years, and during that time licensed the technology to qualified manufacturing partners around the world. Many of these partners elected to etch the “Cane Creek” name and the patent number on the top cover of the headset, in recognition of the license.

Regretfully, due to the sheer volume of headsets produced, we are unable to stock spare parts nor assemblies from these licensed headsets. For direct replacement, please visit your local bike shop, or contact us at 800-234-2725 and we can help you identify an equivalent Cane Creek product that will fit your bike.

While relatively straightforward, headset installation does require some mechanical knowledge of bikes and certain specialty tools. We suggest heading down to your local bike shop and letting a professional mechanic take care of your installation. But if you want to do it yourself… check out our instructional video on headset installation and reference your Owner’s Manual.  We also have headset and crown race installation tools available to purchase by clicking HERE.

It’s a good idea to periodically check for good headset adjustment. There should be no looseness, play or knocking in the headset. If you detect any of these, then your headset should be adjusted. It’s a relatively simple, straightforward task and we’ve created a short video to walk you through the process.

Yes, all moving parts on your bike should be regularly serviced and your headset is no different. Check out our instructional video on headset maintenance for a quick walk-through.

In most cases yes, especially if your headset uses sealed cartridge bearings. The first step is identifying the model of your headset. Cane Creek branded headsets should have model names that can be referenced for replacements. If your headset is the OEM or factory installed headset it is usually necessary to upgrade to a new unit.

In most cases, yes. However; with the introduction of certain models from Cane Creek, tapered forks can be run in two straight head tubes. The classic 1.5” head tube has an inside diameter (ID) of 49.61mm, with use of our ZS49/28.6 TOP assembly, a tapered fork can be used instead of the straight 1.5” that head tube was intended for. With the EC44/40 Bottom assembly, non tapered 1 1/8” head tubes with a 44mm ID can utilize a tapered fork as well.

Your bicycle’s headtube must have an inside diameter of 44mm or larger in order to use any tapered steer fork.  Traditional 1 1/8 in headtubes, or 34mm inside diameter headtubes, cannot accept a tapered steering column fork, therefore we do not make an adapter that will allow you to use a tapered steering column on a traditional 1 1/8 in headtube.

If you are unsure about the measurement of your bicycle’s headtube, you can consult our Standardized Headset Idenfication System (SHIS) or consult your favorite local bike shop.

Please note: Nominal insertion bore depth for 44mm head-tubes is 9mm. EC44/40 requires an insertion depth of 15mm. Park Tool Reamer 788 should be used with the supplied spacer to reach the 15mm bore depth for EC44/40 Bottoms.

Yes you can. We make our 52/40mm crown race available with some extra height. There’s a 3mm and a 6mm version. Both are available on our Headset Parts & Accessories page under “Solutions.”

The AngleSet requires a minimum head tube Inside Diameter (ID) of 44mm.  If your frame has an ID of 44mm or larger on both the top and bottom it is AngleSet compatible.  Certain head tubes will only be able to utilize a straight 1 1/8” steerer with the AngleSet (see our S.H.I.S. poster).

Cane Creek has engineered, designed and tested Angleset in partnership with a variety of frame manufacturers, up to 1.5 degrees of offset. We don’t recommend building configurations beyond what is offered in stock assemblies.

The gold-colored Interlok® Filler Ring fits into the top-most Interlok groove in your cockpit setup to provide a flat surface for placement of a non-Interlok-compatible stem. This could be the headset top cover (as supplied) or the top-most Interlok spacer in your spacer stack. It is not placed inside the headset. (Note that the Interlok Filler Ring is not necessary for placement of a non-Interlok stem with Interlok top covers or spacers.)

Are they necessary? No, but there’s a few good reasons why you might want to use them: Our patented Interlok spacer design provides solid interface between the top cover and spacer stack, meaning they “nest” together and into the top of the bearing cover, which helps minimize shifting under load while riding; and our “Scalloped” spacers shave 25% in weight off a standard alloy spacer stack. Where you want your stem height to be will determine how many and what size spacers you may need.

Unfortunately we no longer produce or stock any complete replacement headsets, though we do have a limited number of replacement bearing kits. They are available in the “Solutions” section of our Headset Parts & Accessories page.