I personally would find a new shop...
mtnbikenc1979 said:
I took it to the LBS about 2 weeks ago and he tightened it for 5 bucks and said if it comes loose again to bring it in and he would throw some Lock Tight on it. I've rode 80 miles since then and it's loose again. BTW thanks for letting me know what I have as far as headset goes. Everyone here is such great help!.....Justin
Why?
1 - I don't think a quality shop or mechanic would/should charge $5 for such a basic adjustment...
2 - And not really even fix it (I wonder if the wrench even knows to tighten the locknut against the nut beneath it)
3 - I don't think a quality shop or mechanic would/should recommend using lock tight on a friggin' headset (sounds like a hack to me)
To answer the question, a King headset is a great investment if you've got the coin.
Otherwise, as mentioned here, there are numerous threaded 1" headsets to be had on the cheap (since they are becoming somewhat obsolete) and if maintained and adjusted properly, should last for years.
That said, I'm partial to Chris King headsets.
If you plan on buying the headset from that shop make sure they know it is a 1" threaded headset and to be aware of the "stack height" to ensure you have enough thread on the fork to install the new headset (whatever brand it might be).
Conversely, you, or the shop, might need to trim the fork or add spacers but that's not out of the ordinary.
Hope this helps.
Don