Instead, the head tube is bored with conical seats. When preload is applied, these angled seats result in the bearings self-aligning, as well as securing them in place, creating a rigid assembly.

Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, It was once all so simple with only a few headset standards on the market. These days… well, it’s not quite that simple. Velo Orange An integrated headset creates a clean look (if you clean your bike). Benedict Pfender / Immediate Media

If you’re shopping around, you’ll notice different brands have different names for the same headset type. As an example, a traditional 1-1/8in external threadless headset with a straight steerer would be defined as follows: Defining the SHIS code will tell you what kind of headset will fit the bike, but there are also some additional choices you can make. Almost all of the axial load experienced by the fork during riding will be carried by the lower bearing, because this is effectively sitting on top of the fork.

The conical shape of the race is centred on the fork steerer. This means it is self-centring on the bearing and, when preload is applied, the angled shape ensures it supports both axial and lateral loads. A top race performs the corresponding duties for the upper bearing. It has been claimed this configuration is a cost-saving measure on behalf of manufacturers. Rather than pressing a bearing cup into the frame, the bearing can simply be dropped in during assembly. An integrated headset does away with the bearing cups, with the bearings dropped into pre-shaped seats at either end of the head tube – the head tube takes over the duties of the bearing cups. Thankfully, there is a standard of sorts for headsets to help navigate you through the array of parts, and – moreover – the names of parts on the market. Depending on the length of the quill, you can adjust the height of the stem easily by sliding it further up or down inside the steerer and fixing it in the correct position.Older loose bearings rolled directly on the hardened steel race. Benedict Pfender / Immediate Media