it's possible to do the install by yourself, but if you take it to the guys at the LBS you'll have the assurance of knowing it's done correctly. It'll take them less than 5min to knock the old one out and press in a new headset.

Some on the forums refer to CK headsets as "overpriced fluff/bling".... all I can say is that I have three or four of them and they've performed flawlessly for years. I can't say that about other headsets I've used.

 

Among the last parts on the bike I'd consider "upgrading". There is really no benefit from replacing your headset before it's worn out. You won't save any appreciable weight, get any better performance and the bling angle is also very small. Many better ways to spend $150 (King) on your bike. When it wears out then consider a King or other similar headset like a Cane Creek 110 if you want a headset that will last the life of several bikes.

 

Seems rather pointless to me too. No benefit and little bling. Still rather pointless and inconsequential, at least something like Ti skewers will knock off a few ozs... or perhaps ceramic bearing jockey wheels or BB might decrease pedaling drag some infinitesimal amount.

 

Some on the forums refer to CK headsets as "overpriced fluff/bling".... all I can say is that I have three or four of them and they've performed flawlessly for years. I can't say that about other headsets I've used.

Have you honestly tried comparable alternatives, or went from bottom barrel to a king?

A good old 25 dollar S3 lasts years on an aggressive mountain bike ridden through mud. Thats going to be a lifetime on a road bike.

Ive heard people use the excuse that their king has followed them from 5 bikes over the years.. most people just sell s3's with the bike because they know its so cheap to buy a new one.. not that they're worn out, its just not worth bothering.

 

Good info and opinions. I love my bike and am just trying to slowly improve it with a tweak here and there. I was thinking of upgrading handlebars/stem and headset to possibly save weight. When I built the bike, I skimpt in these areas because costs were higher than I planned.

 

I don't know why, but I go through headsets like they they were made of paper mache'. The only ones that have lasted for me are Chris King & Campy Record.

 

Good info and opinions. I love my bike and am just trying to slowly improve it with a tweak here and there. I was thinking of upgrading handlebars/stem and headset to possibly save weight. When I built the bike, I skimpt in these areas because costs were higher than I planned.

 

Have you honestly tried comparable alternatives, or went from bottom barrel to a king?

A good old 25 dollar S3 lasts years on an aggressive mountain bike ridden through mud. Thats going to be a lifetime on a road bike.

Ive heard people use the excuse that their king has followed them from 5 bikes over the years.. most people just sell s3's with the bike because they know its so cheap to buy a new one.. not that they're worn out, its just not worth bothering.

have I tried EVERY comparable alternative? I'm certain I have not. Have I tried SOME other options that are comparable in quality? Yes. I don't have CK on every bike I own, but I'd be hard pressed to come up with a better suggestion if someone simply asked my opinion for the highest quality HS. But I'm certainly not arrogant enough to think that everyone's experiences mirror mine or that they should share my opinions.

If I'm being budget minded and I'm thrilled with the performance of my $25 headset, you can bet I'll switch it from one bike to another. Heck, it takes 5 minutes to make the switch if I'm leisurely about it. 5min to save $25? Seems to be a no-brainer. Is my time worth more than $300/hr?? Probably not. YMMV.

As to others' suggestions that a HS isn't really a logical/worthwhile upgrade -- I agree 100%