Question Qorner: How do I run a straight steerer with a tapered head tube? What Headset do I need?
Question Qorner is back to answer another one of the most common queries from our inbox. This week we've got a good one from Tim.
Hi Adam… loving my Super Something. Quick question… can you let me know the spec to order if i want to replace the headset and seatpost collar? Thanks!
-t
Good question, Tim. This can get confusing, since headsets and seat collars are both things for which the bicycle industry has many archaic and arcane "standards". Let's start with headsets.
All three of our bike models use the same headset: EC34|EC44.
Let's break that down: the EC part stands for External Cup (as opposed to ZS, Zero Stack, or IS, Integrated). So both the top and bottom parts of the headset are external.
The first set of numbers after the EC initials – 34 and 44 in this case – refer to the inside diameter of the head tube. Since our head tubes are tapered, they measure 34mm at the top and 44mm at the bottom. This is where the headsets are pressed into the frame.
Here's where it gets tricky: we use tapered head tubes on all of our bike models to give you the option of running a suspension fork with a tapered steerer tube. But both the SuperSomething and PBJ use forks with 1-1/8" straight steerers – this saves a good deal of weight and helps with the vibration-damping and responsive ride quality of our nice steel forks.
The headset we spec for the PBJ and SuperSomething is EC34/28.6|EC44/30. We sell this headset from White Industries.
The Tall Tale, since it's built for suspension forks with tapered steerers, uses the exact same headset with a different crown race. The headset we spec for the Tall Tale is EC34/28.6|EC44/40. You can buy it here.
That means you can swap from a fork with a straight steerer to one with a tapered steerer without changing headsets... all you gotta do is swap crown races! That's easy.
If you're buying a headset from Chris King, Wolf Tooth, Cane Creek, or anywhere else, check with them to make sure that the headset you're purchasing is compatible. Give them a call during regular business hours. They love to chat.
I drew this diagram on my morning commute to San Francisco. It's a little wobbly due to the shaking of the SMART Train and the rocking of the Golden Gate Ferry, but I think it illustrates my point.
