What's up y'all,
I'm in the middle of a Grappler build and I'm tempted to ditch the traditional headset cups for the Enduro HDK-0008 kit.
I love the idea of pressing the 440C stainless bearings directly into the head tube for that ultra-clean, low-profile look. Plus, living with a steel frame, the rust resistance is a huge sell.
Does anyone have experience running this "direct-fit" setup on a Surly or similar steel rig? Any issues with creaking, or is it as set-it-and-forget-it as they claim?
Cheers!
by AccordingWorking337
8 Comments
Will you mind the geometry change? A half inch can be a noticeable difference. Shorter front end is twitchier.
Not saying that to dissuade, just asking the question.
Hmm not sure I get the point of that product. Just looks like a regular headset, except (if I understand it correctly) when the bearings wear out you have to throw the whole headset away.
Didn’t know of this solution, but I’m curious to see your/other’s results. Let us know in a follow-up how it turns out should you go for it!
Seems like a good option for someone with stack height limitations, but doesn’t it change the geometry?
yeah that’s neat and all but what is that frame set hanging on the wall and can I buy i?
Unfortunately what you’re describing isn’t possible with a Grappler frame. The HDK-0008 is a traditional headset cup and the bearings will sit outside of the head tube. The grappler head tube isn’t designed to hold a bearing.
I think you’re thinking of an internal headset which you see on bikes with more aerodynamic needs.
That said, the HDK-0008 looks great! However most headsets are aluminum which is also rust resistant and lighter weight. There’s some low profile ones out there. Good luck!
You won’t get that flush look anyways because it will stack 5-8mm and then the crown race on top of that
I have a similar headset in Crank Bros DirectSet headset, one-piece bearing & cup. This Enduro version looks very similar, both have a 21mm stack height.
I wouldn’t consider the DirectSet a durable headset and it’s on a light duty rigid mtb/ gravel bike.
Light, strong, cheap… Pick two. In this case pick light weight.