Submitted by
pete ride bikes
a
from harwinton CT 06791 Date Reviewed: March 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
my trails, and street
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bikers edge in bristol
Strengths:
Its an awesome headset, i went through a few bottom bearings on it but thats regular, i suggest greasing the bearings often if its unsealed.. Sealed headsets are great but the sealed bearings are known to blow up or break if you case a jump pretty hard. But if you get the King headset its a lifetime garuntee. I have the FSA pig UNsealed and its great
Weaknesses:
bottom bearing gets shot but that happens on all headsets
Similar Products Used:
DK mph, king, odyssey
Bike Setup:
hoffman loyalty, pitchfork, fit crank, T1 disc, FSA unsealed,Odyssey hazard lt in front, primo hula hoop in back, odyssey brakes, s&m bars, primo wall&demolition trail slayer in rear, dk stem, primo grips, kmc chain, you probably didnt need to know all that but i like reading about what other people have on their bikes so maybe you do too
Bottom Line:
good deal buy one its sweet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere flat and paved
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
East Coasters, Blacksburg
Strengths:
Review for FSA Pig DH Pro:
OK, if you haven't already figured it out, I'm a BMXer. I ride a very customized 2000 S&M Sabbath flatland frame, all repairs except cup pressing are done by me, and I know the frame a lot better than most guys know their girlfriends. I tend to be rough on headsets and parts in general. I do plenty of front wheel tricks and my 170lbs of husk coupled with a 40lb bike coming off of ledges (good landings, bad landings, what have you) tends to create a lot of strain. I also run a Gyro rotor unit, and need a headset with a SMALL upper cup that is capable of fitting into the main bearing unit's inner diameter. Hence, Chris King headsets and plenty of others were out of the question. FSA's DH Pro fit my bill - I was looking for a headset that was around half the price of a King, had sealed bearings, worked with a Gyro, and wouldn't have to be serviced annually.
I ride without hands 90% of the time and do several no handed trick variations so not only am I able to closely assess a headset's merit, but having one that is reliable and precise is essential! To the mountain bikers out there, my bike is chromoly 4130 and spends most of its time on paved terrain. I don't ride in the rain and rarely come in contact with dirt, grime, and mud, so if this sort of dexterity is what you're looking for in a review, you won't find it here :)
I have always been a loyal Dia Compe customer; in particular, I love their AD-990 U-Brakes and believe they surpass many similar models in quality and feel. Needless to say, I was somewhat apprehensive of trying out FSA, a relatively new company in my opinion. At this point in time, FSA's website bears little to no information regarding their hardware as it is currently under construction, and not many of my friends ride with their products. So I had to go on word of mouth from the honest guys at East Coasters, and several customers who happened to be innocent bystanders at the time I decided to start firing off questions.
The qualities of this headset became clear after I put my steering unit back together. From ride one the sealed bearings proved themselves unsurpassingly smooth. The steering characteristics were not too heavy in turns and not loose enough to be over-affected by speed. Comparable, I'd say, to a Dia Compe Aheadset after getting broken in from its initial packing and a proper tensioning via compression. Granted, my tastes in bearing tension is an opinion and results depend heavily on how one sets up their headset unit. I know that this headset's review is intermingled with other FSA models on this site, and many users haven't given it the full 4-5 star rating it deserves for this reason and the fact that its Conix system doesn't seem to be receiving much praise. I wonder why more riders don't use I-beams (headlocks) in place of the star fangled nut. I think I-beams make setup and adjustment a heck of a lot easier than star nuts, and enable the headset unit to remain tighter and more resilient to beatings.
Some quality features of this headset include: Huge chromoly lower cup (approximately 5mm more rise than a normal Dia Compe Aheadset) Brass compression ring (not plastic) Smooth sealed bearings! Dashing good looks
Weaknesses:
None discovered yet
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe Aheadset SX-1, SST...beat both up pretty badly with pitting, etc.
Bike Setup:
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/atan/sabbath.htm
Bottom Line:
I love this headset. I suggest you buy one if you don't want to hawk out the $ for a King. I recommend this product to BMXers in particular, since I know nothing about mountain biking, and am experiencing its benefits on my trickbike. Sealed bearings are great, and if this unit lasts me 5 years I'll buy another one in a heartbeat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, BC Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Delta Watershed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Steveston Bike Store
Strengths:
This is for the Pig DH Pro - Great Price, Strong as hell, smooth operation, looks great, ummmm did I say great price???
Weaknesses:
None so far, well maybe the weight but only racers need to worry about that.
Similar Products Used:
O.E.M. stuff
Bike Setup:
Kona hardtail with XT, LX, FSA headset, Bontrager saddle, Psylo XC's, Avid SD-7 V-Brakes, Sram, Panaracer, etc... (next year I'm getting a Cove G-Spot!!! oh yeah)
Bottom Line:
Some people say this headset weighs too much. I'm not a competitive racer so a couple grams here and there doesn't mean all that much to me. I can buy 3 of these for the price of a King headset and I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two. It's a great headset, especially for the amount of money it costs. Every store in the North Shore area sells it and recommends it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Konacopia
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A. Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Da Bumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Weeeeeeel World
Strengths:
Smooth action Cheap price Durable
Weaknesses:
Heavy (Who cares?) Lower race is a tight fit
Similar Products Used:
Tioga, Dia-Compe
Bike Setup:
Kona Stuff, Marzocchi Z1
Bottom Line:
For the money, you can't beat this headset. It gets the job done and you never notice it's there which is good for an area of the bike that most of us neglect anyway. Most would argue that it's a bit on the heavy side but I'd trade a few grams for strength any day. This item wasn't intended for the XC crowd, besides you would never be able to take full advantage of it's strength. I did have a bit of a struggle getting the lower race onto the fork steerer but it doesn't matter because whatever bike the Z1 goes onto, this headset will be sure to follow. This one was built for the DS/DH/DJ set and doesn't fail to live up to its specified intentions. For the price of a "Rip" King, you can get 6 of these but you'll never have to. Save yourself a hundred bucks, get one of these and save yourself from the Heaven's Gate cult that is Chris King.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Skullcrusher
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
www.dizzycycles.com
Strengths:
-Cheap -Strong -Simple -Functional
Weaknesses:
-Cups not deep enough to help prevent ovalizing headtubes
Similar Products Used:
other cheap aheadsets
Bike Setup:
BB7, typical Dh stuff
Bottom Line:
In the time I've used this headset it has outlasted 2 DH frames and it never saw even a second of maintenance. I totally forgot about it until it started to ovalize my current frame. This is a dependable headset for all around riding but if you tend to ovalize headtubes you should look for something with deeper cups (ie Chris King). The Pig DH is a good headset but it is not tough enough to desrve the name "Pig DH". Keep it on the uphill bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Van Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
The tapered needle bearings in the lower race.The grease port and serviceability.CroMo lower cup;long engagement length.Precision upper bearing.Looks like a quality piece.Half the price of "name brand".Isn't it always?
Weaknesses:
Just installed and unridden,so?
Similar Products Used:
Cheap Aheadsets
Bike Setup:
2002 COVE Stiffee,5" 2000 Z-1 QR20,Rhino Lite/Rhino Lite XL,Formula/XT hubs.HMX-1,Monkey-lite bar.
Bottom Line:
Just received new frame,wanted to upgrade headset.While I haven't used it yet,I think only an technoweenie/goofball would pay more.What's the deal with headsets?It turns,but it doesn't spin,so how good does it have to be?By the way,I'd recommend a good mechanic to install it(like myself),and take the stem,so they can install it correctly and possibly re-cut the steerer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Spokane WA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Beacon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
This is for the Pig DH Pro. I put it in, I rode on it and I forgot I had a headset.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but all good things are heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Aheadset piece of $hit.
Bike Setup:
01' Kona Stinky. All the flashy parts, raceface cranks, hayes hydros, z-1 QR20, big meats..ya get the idea
Bottom Line:
I was a little nervous buying a headset that weighed this much and was a little cheap but the damn thing is awesome. Ive never had a problem with it, it never comes loose like Aheadsets do and its buttery smooth goodness. BOMBER
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David M
a Racer
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Waterloo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
cycle solutions
Strengths:
The Pig DH was designed to be bombproof... well I have put mine through hell and its fine... if it were to blow up, I wouldn't care, it only cost me $20. This headset performs better than a race face real seal, and cane creek. I can't compare it to a Chris King headset because I've never been stupid enough to pay for one...
Weaknesses:
Havn't found one yet
Similar Products Used:
Race Face real seal..
Bike Setup:
24 Pornking, Z1 qr20, wicked components....
Bottom Line:
But this headset if you've never tried it. Once you try it you won't ever care about your headset ever again! I wouldn't even post a review unless a product has totally blown me away!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
corona loma
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
THIS IS FOR THE FSA ORBIT DL Cheap Light Durable Nice Colors
I had this installed nearly a year ago, and about a month later i moved from the desert here to college in california. i didn't have time to overhaul it for the past year and subjected it to lots of dust, urban jumping, rough rocky singletrack, RAIN, stream crossings, and the like. I just took it apart today to clean and everything is still in good shape. There were no signs of wear, so i cleaned it and slappe some grease in and it's good to go for another year. Those seals may look cheap but they do a damn good job of sealing the headset. I can't think of a better bike deal than this headset. By the way, for those that care, i took the advice of other reviewers and DID NOT use the conix star-fangled nut replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
corona loma
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
THIS IS FOR THE FSA ORBIT DL Cheap Light Durable Nice Colors
I had this installed nearly a year ago, and about a month later i moved from the desert here to college in california. i didn't have time to overhaul it for the past year and subjected it to lots of dust, urban jumping, rough rocky singletrack, RAIN, stream crossings, and the like. I just took it apart today to clean and everything is still in good shape. There were no signs of wear, so i cleaned it and slappe some grease in and it's good to go for another year. Those seals may look cheap but they do a damn good job of sealing the headset. I can't think of a better bike deal than this headset. By the way, for those that care, i took the advice of other reviewers and DID NOT use the conix star-fangled nut replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mateusz
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
UIC
Strengths:
Smooth.
Weaknesses:
The head cap is pretty weak.
Similar Products Used:
The review is for FSA orbit extreme.
Bike Setup:
Custom made Cro fram, Z1 drop offs, XTR, XT, LX components
Bottom Line:
Good headset, no major problems. Had to replace the head cap once, yes it was a pain in the a$$, as I hate replacing parts due the weakness in materials. Overall though the headset is fanstastic, smooth, bearings are durable. Easy to install.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hoosier National - Knobstone
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Similar Products Used:
DiaCompe
Bike Setup:
GT Pantera, Manitou SX-R, Sun CR-18 Rims
Bottom Line:
Orbit DL: This is a solid headset. caged-bearing headsets don't get any better. If you're not a DH or trials rider, you probably don't need anything more. I've put thousands of miles on this headset, and never had any trouble. I usually clean and repack every couple of months, or as needed after a really sloppy ride. (Keeping the bearings packed in clean grease is ESSENTIAL to proper function of ANY headset)
Top cup and race have a small enough gap to eliminate the majority of particle/water contamination, and the bottom cup and race have a rubber seal that does the same.
If you're going to ride in really dusty conditions, you might want to invest in some lizard skin (or equivalent) headset covers.
If you're going to ride your bike underwater, plan on repacking your headset when you're done. (And that will be the least of your maintenance worries...)
As for CONIX: Anyone who has problems with conix failing needs to tighten their stem. All the top cap is meant to do is take the play out of the bearings during the assembly process. A properly tightened stem can handle any load you can put on it, even if you remove the top cap totally. (That's why DiaCompe can get away with using a polymer top cap on their cheaper models)
**For those who are interested in actual numbers: If you have two 6mm bolts on the stem tightened to 20 ft-lbs each, it would take in the neighborhood of 60,000 lbs of force to move that sucker. That's the equivalent of a 200 lb guy jumping off the edge of a 982 foot cliff. Or a 200 lb guy running into a brick wall at 172 mph. If I do either of those, I don't care what happens to my bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aram West
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: May 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tiger mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
swap meet
Strengths:
Looks, durability, smoooooofffffneesss
Weaknesses:
parts, needs attention
Similar Products Used:
dia-comp, shimono
Bike Setup:
Alpinestar FS, Magura brakes, different forks.
Bottom Line:
I bought an FSA Orbit for a BMX bike, it was threaded etc. Threw away the conix thing IMMEDEATELY (sp?)!! I bought it because it was cheap and blue and it looked pretty cool. I got an indestructable needle bearing headset. This headset has been a dream and I wouldn't trade it for a Chris King. I have broken three forks now, of my own fault, but the headset is still strong. In the Pacific Northwest we see some of the nastiest rain and mud anywhere, this thing holds up! Use a regular star nut system to hold the stem down and everything will be just fine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nikke
a Downhiller
from stockholm, sweden Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
cykelcity
Strengths:
Doesn´t cost a fortune, great quality, looks real nice
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
tioga
Bike Setup:
Kuwahara Extreme C3, Downhill setup
Bottom Line:
Buy it, the best headset for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mad max
a Weekend Warrior
from northampton Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
everdon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
leisure lakes (dav)
Strengths:
put in and forget smooth as a bay backside looks cool
Weaknesses:
nothing as yet
Similar Products Used:
wtb
Bike Setup:
z4 dual slalom
Bottom Line:
put and walk away know u will have no problems for a long while does the job and that s abotu all u need and no problems to setup apart form the conix but that is just me i cant do those new fangeled ideas
had resort to my mate put it in but he is got with bikes so not for those have no patient
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toads Wild Ride
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Cheap, durable, looks good lasted 5 yrs so far
Weaknesses:
Some come with the wrong sized Conix that just spins and spins but the great FSA customer rep will send you the right size for your specific fork, ASAP!!
Similar Products Used:
Cheapos, Cane Creek cartridge, and Chris King
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2/SRAM 9.0 SL/Z2 and FSR Enduro/SRAM 9.0/Z1
Bottom Line:
Won't spend the $$ on a chris king anymore. I've had my FSA Extreme for 5 yrs now. Moved it from my last bike to my stumpjumper. It's the nice XTR grey they used to sell. Still smooth as day one. seals seem cheap but after plenty of mud and zero maintanence, there's no problem. Straighten out the Conix problem with the FSA cust. rep and you'll never have to touch it after the first adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Akusti-revenz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampere, Finland Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ET-Sports
Strengths:
REVIEW FOR FSA ORBIT EXTREME!! looks good and kind of smooth when not broken
Weaknesses:
too weak
Similar Products Used:
lots of Tange's (broken lots of them also)
Bike Setup:
hard tailed XC/freeride
Bottom Line:
this headset doesn't hold up! I bought mine in july and the upper cup broke in the first weeks after installation and the lower cup broke just some month ago. Sure, got new from the warranty, but still, I don't like stuff that breaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adry Alauddin
a Weekend Warrior
from Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000
Full sus bike with 3 inches...tripple clamp..FSA afterburner ..shimano and grip shifts
Bottom Line:
Cool headset comapred to other sealed bearing units that cost twice the price. Looks really sturdy and reliable to give you the extra confidence while riding. No problems so far...and i don't understand the commotion about the conix top cap. My brother has been usinhis unit for more then 3 years and have had no problems with them!
GET THIS HEADSET IF U ARE LOOKING FOR CHEAP SEALED BEARING PERFORMANCE! I'm gonna give it 5 chillies!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Miller
a Racer
from Chico California Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Sports LTD.
Strengths:
Good Anodization, really good color, Good combination of alum. and cro-mo. Very smoooth for non-cartridge bearings.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none had no reason to
Bottom Line:
The Conix Cap has given me no problems at all and I feel that it is the best way to secure the a-head set. No better value even for the bottom of the line. They all spin extremely smooth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GammaDriver
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsyltucky Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
www.chucksbikes.com (where else?)
Strengths:
Cheap Looks great Works great Installs well Seems to stay adjusted
Weaknesses:
nkw
Similar Products Used:
Diacompe King
Bike Setup:
CAAD3 1 1/8" (obviously) Y2K Judy Race
Bottom Line:
It's really too bad FSA doesn't get the same consideration other headset manufacturers do here in mtbr.com's product reviews. After the years of this mess, why doesn't mtbr.com separate FSA's headset models so we could get some order to the info from reviews?
Ok, enough ranting. I done bought me an Orbit RD for real cheap through chucksbikes.com. Didn't know that's what I was ordering, really thought that, by what he had listed, it was a regular ball-bearing headset. When it got here I was surprised and delighted to try needle bearings for a change.
It did not come with a Conix. Apparently I was in luck, though I wasn't going to use a Conix anyway.
I believe I paid less than $20 for it.
lessee... what to say? WHAT TO SAY?!?
Installed it myself with a threaded 3/4 inch rod, large washers and nuts. (throw a little grease on the threads of the rod to make the homemade tool smotther)
I've heard that needle-bearing headsets are more sensitive about needing a properly faced head-tube, but the C'dales come that way from the factory so no problem here.
In the (over?) six months I've ridden the RD it has only needed snugged up once out on the trail (probably should have checked it at home before the ride), which seems acceptable.
I used Quaker State's synthetic white Itasca grease liberally before final assembly, and added a Lizard Skin to the bottom race.
Hey, for the price it really seems to be the headset to go for if the bike isn't worth a King. Based on value-per-dollar, 5 out of 5 flaming dead horses.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chado
a Cross Country Rider
from Darwin, NT, Australia Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
by mail order
Strengths:
sealed bearings
Weaknesses:
Conix device design
Similar Products Used:
race face
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, marzocchi z2 atom, race face, mavic 317, hope xc4 pro disk
Bottom Line:
I brought the Orbit xl II, the Conix device is absolute crap, it's held together by a thin rubber oring, a bike machanic had just installed it, I road on it for about and hour, I was changing stems and 'pop' the conix device fell to pieces. I have a 'head lock on there now. Wish I had brought a crane creek or something else instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil...
a
from Alaska Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Inexpensive. Light. Durable.
Weaknesses:
Lower bearing race was a very tight fit onto the fork steerer tube. I am afraid I may have trouble removing it should I ever have to do that. The Conix headset tightening system never worked right in the Alloy steering tube on my Manitou SX R, so I ditched it for the star mangled nut. (The older style Conix worked fine in the steel steerer on my old Indy however.) The seals are kind of marginal... but work ok. Just don't direct any water directly onto the head set. Wipe it clean.
Similar Products Used:
Tange/Diacompe steel Aheadset.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rock Hopper A1, Manitou SX R
Bottom Line:
I like the Orbit DL. Its cheap, light, durable, looks nice, and comes in black. I just wish the lower bearing race wasn't so hard to install on the fork steerer tube.
I have decided I don't care for the Conix device that comes with it. It would break free and spin in the steerer tube as I would try to tighten it. I swapped it out for the original star mangled nut device.
I will probably buy another for my new FS frame... They work good and don't cost alot. Thats always a winning combination in my book. IMO the Orbit DL is a fine choice for XC riders who ride in moist to drier conditions. Really wet drenching conditions would probably require frequent rebuilds.
If It wasn't for the Conix that I payed for and couldn't use, I would probably have given it a 5 for value...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d-mon
a Racer
from Arkansas Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
almost all of dem
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Low price
Weaknesses:
Conix device fails to hold after several months of wear and tear
Similar Products Used:
Chris King on my road bike
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Pro, 99 Sid XC, 8 speed XT.
Bottom Line:
As indicated above, the Conix device fails to hold after several months of riding. The end result is that you can't tighten your headset because the conix slips and moves to where it is flush with the cap. This design does not seem to work well. Just recently put a Chris King Nothread on my road bike. Now that is a great headset. Its a little pricey but you only cry once when you purchase a Chris King. Quess that I need to do the same on my mountain bike. Sorry only 2 turds since it only lasted one year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mackeral
a Weekend Warrior
from Tujunga Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Secret Pines
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$53.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
This is an update to a previous report. Now after having ridden my Xtreme headset hard and a very long day downhilling at Mammoth I can definitely say there is nothing wrong with this headset. Adjusted it when I installed it and it has stayed there. No problem with Connix at all. I don't ride in mud for the most part, but this thing is smoooooth. So if you are considering it and don't want to spend the extra money for a King, don't worry about the bad reviews. Its a good headset.
Weaknesses:
cheap plastic bottom seal. However, has cause me no problems.
Similar Products Used:
cheapies
Bike Setup:
Titus Loco Moto
Bottom Line:
Nothing wrong with the headset or the Connix and the price is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tree
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Strengths:
Looks good solid made smooth good paint job
Weaknesses:
Plastic push-in cover(bottom)
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 + AMP-4
Bottom Line:
the plastic cover some how does not compatiable with my AMP frok. It ended up with a small gap.But I never had any problem with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Morrison, Co Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Easy to install (read the directions and have 5mm of stem above fork tube.
Weaknesses:
Cheap races
Similar Products Used:
Dia Comp
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper Comp, SID xc fork, XTR v brakes w/Avid levers, Sun subIV Rims
Bottom Line:
Super cheap at Supergo $25. No problems in 2 seasons, 1000 miles, 2 trips to Moab and 3 races. Have used this on 2 forks and have had no problems with it plus I weigh over 200 lbs. Seals are not the greatest, but just repack the grease once or twice a year depending on the riding conditions. Conix works great on setting the top. I would buy this headset again.
5 chiles for value and 4 for smooth operation, setup and maintance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
horst
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Inexpensive, easier to install vs. star-fangled nut.
Weaknesses:
I haven't experienced any
Similar Products Used:
Dia-Compe Aheadset, King
Bike Setup:
GT STS 1000DS, 'Zoke Z1 Alloy, XTR
Bottom Line:
After having installed and used 3 of these headsets on 3 different bikes, I have never had a problem of any kind. Hard as it may be to believe after reading some of the reviews below, I had no trouble installing the 'set and I've never had an issue with leaky seals, weak contact, etc. I'm not a downhiller, but I ride aggressively and often on some pretty brutal trails. It's always possible a part will slide by quality control and you'll get a lemon, but I'm 3 for 3 with the FSA and I'd definitely buy another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slowride
a
from Chicago Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
Conix, durability, instructions
Similar Products Used:
Chris King, Dia-Compe
Bike Setup:
Norco Team Issue
Bottom Line:
I picked this up to go with my new Bomber. I should have saved my money for another King, which I had on my last bike that got stolen.
This is for the Orbit DL. On the first ride with the FSA, it suddenly felt like my bike had a really squirmy front tire, it was darting all over the place. Kinda hard to keep it going straight.
Then on the 3rd ride, it started making a nasty squeaking sound on small turns. So I tried readjusting it, but it seems to be either loose or squeaky (yes there is grease in it!) Not smooth at all, either. Just save your cash and get a King! 2 turds for being so cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juan Pablo De la Cruz
a Downhiller
from Makati City,Philippines Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
muddy ,off road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Hi End bike shop
Strengths:
good finish,easy to assemble,made in USA
Weaknesses:
There's that plastic wedge on part of the assembly that i don't like coz it does not give any strenght for a downhiller like me.I hope the manufacturer would change to an alloy one. sorry folks about!
Similar Products Used:
modus headset,tange , N500XX,tioga ,dia compe
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar ,shimano XT components,smoke tires,control tech stem and bar ends.,marzzochi bomber fork
Bottom Line:
for it's kinda good !but for a daredevil like me ,i would suggest that you guys should buy the CHRIS KING HEADSET coz the price is worth of its performance. The FSA manufacturer should change the plastic wedge to an alloy ,well just a request.Thanks a lot !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch Fonda
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen Colorado Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I'd have to shoot you
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Different places
Strengths:
Price, cartridge bearings, easy maintenance, conix cap system
Weaknesses:
Conix cap system, directions
Similar Products Used:
Aheadsets and similar products with star fangled nuts and lousy directions.
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo, Race Face cranks, XT/XTR, Grip Shift, Kore stem - skewers, Moab Powerpost
Bottom Line:
Ok, the conix system takes some getting used to and is only used to preset the load on the bearing...after that it just sits there like a star fangled nut and bolt do, nothing to do with stem/steerer tube grip. Yes, the directions need some imagination to figure out the first time. I've put Oribt Extremes on my x-country bike, downhill bike and my wife's bike, all over a year's worth of thrashing. The x-country bike headset has over 1000 trouble free miles on it, still smooth. I'd give it a 5 chili except for the directions. One last thing....have you ever got a star fangled nut into the steerer tube crooked and tried to straighten it out? After that swear fest, the conix system doesn't seems so bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay City Mi. U*S*A Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any and All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It came with a sticker.
Weaknesses:
The CONIX SUCKS!!!! it stopped working within 3 miles on a XC trail, had to walk off and go get a star nut and screw put in. The entire inside of the set is rusty from the crappy job the seals do.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Scott Comp Elite, Manitou SxR, XTR, XTR, XTR.
Bottom Line:
I bought this headset for two reasons: 1) It was cheap compared to the King. 72.00 vs. 135.00 2) It is there top of the line modle. FSA Orbit EXtreme. If this is FSA's best I would hate to see what the 20.00 ones do. I bought this set about three months ago and within about ten min. it had already failed!!!! It seems that there CONIX systam is a peice of crap. It dose not work the way they "think" it should, this thing just bumped it's way loose on the trail and before you know it I had no steering control. The headset is a sealed unite, why is it after every ride I must disassemble it to clean all the dirt and water out of it, the seals SUCK!!!! As a result of the seals not sealing all the metal inside the set is now rusted, some heavy, some came off with a touch of steelwool. This is not the headset to buy if you are riding in wet or muddy conditions the seals are junk. If you do decide to buy it then make sure to throw the CONIX out and just use a star nut. On a positive note, FSA is replacing the entire headset free all I need to do is send it in, but I am out a bike 'till they send me my new one. Bottom line, a headset should last for allot more tham 3 months. For this reason I must give it only 2 chilis. I added an extra chili for there good customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mackeral
a Weekend Warrior
from Tujunga CA USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000
Plastic seals look kinda brittle and cheap. Installation instructions aren't good and may not even apply to your particular headset.
Similar Products Used:
Cheapie stock Aheadset, Dia Comp
Bike Setup:
Titus Loco Moto, XT/XTR, Judy SL 100mm
Bottom Line:
This headset seems to be a good value. Construction seems solid, sealed bearings are smooth. Mine had the wrong size Conix for my steerer tube. Called FSA late Monday afternoon, sent me out the correct size, got it Wednesday. Excellent customer service. Read the other reviews regarding the Conix, but I see no problem with it. I don't see how it could leave you stranded even if it failed, since the stem is what holds your fork on anyway. All in all a good value at 59 bucks from Supergo(I don't like em, but money talks) Make sure you have the right Conix, call FSA if you have any questions about installation, and make sure you use the steel race and alloy race where you are supposed to and you should have no problems. Of course, I reserve the right to change this review after I thrash it for a few months. Four flaming piles cause nothing is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan carlson
a
from asheville, NC usa Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
3D it looks nice
Weaknesses:
the conix was stripped my first ride the steerer tube has to be worked on to get it on making it not compatible if you want to change the ork but keep the headset.(which i don't)
Similar Products Used:
all crap but ive heard that the race face real seal is good
Bike Setup:
z3 kona frame lx/xt fsa afterburner crank titec riser bar
Bottom Line:
i wouldn't advise anyone to get this headset for the reasons stated above. i finally got mine lubed right so that it actually turns. it is a bit expensive for what you get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Weekend Warrior
from california Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
back roads of the sierra foothills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
quality, price. The fsa orbit uf, with the ball bearings on top and the roller bearings on the bottom 7075-T6 aluminum with high polish steel races. The workmanship shows. the bearings use o-rings to keep out dirt and water. I use this on a road bike and so that is not of the greatest importance. It is very smooth. I had purchased a ritchey logic headset and the quality was poor. I returned it and the orbit is like night and day. The machine work is fabulous. It is smooth. It is inexpensive. $22 at bike.com.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
ritchey logic.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose rx 10.9 titanium, profile brc threadless fork with aluminum steer tube, ultegra triple group, 3ttt prima 220 bars, litespeed seatpost with avocet gel saddle, spinergy spox wheels with continental gran prix 3000 foldable clinchers, cenelli cork tape.
Bottom Line:
This is a high quality inexpensive headset, It is smooth. I am a road rider and I don't know about mountain bikes, but for the road this is a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Joshua Tree ,Ca. USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kokopelli
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light wieght for its bullit proof design. 5 YEAR WARENTEE!!! Cartiage seems as SMOOTH as butter. I have the extreme model (top of the line) Some of these reviews obviously came from the cheaper models.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creak, Cris King, Dia-comp
Bike Setup:
XCR-1000 Mostly XTR
Bottom Line:
Has been solid as a rock, but as smooth as butter for me. Really no complaints. If you don't know how to install it have the bike shop do it for you. It will save you a headache with the directions. I never did use the conix cap though, it seems a great idea. Recomend Highly!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Karlstrand
a Cross Country Rider
from oakland Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
west ridge, santa cruz
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
This headset was crap, I should have left on my old indexing diacomp headset. Conix cap sucks, instructions suck.
Similar Products Used:
Chris King, Dia Comp
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler loaded
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this headset, after overhauling it twice on the trail, I still couldn't tune it to the way I liked it. The roller bearings suck, the whole design is flawed. If you ride hard buy a chris king, they are butter. '
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Do Trong
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada, quebec Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hard packed on the Mount-Royal
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
It'S very reliable It's nice and we get the quality we want at a fairly low price
Weaknesses:
Teh rubber seal doesn't actually protects the unit agaisnt water nor mud plus that rubber seal...is cheap...it broke after 3 months.. REquires alots of oiling and greasing....needle bearing has lots of disavantages
Bottom Line:
Great Headset
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay City, Mi Michigan Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, got it cheap from Supergo.
Weaknesses:
CONIX top cap is JUNK!!!!!!! It failed within 1 mile of my first ride on it. Had to get it replaced with a standard type top cap.
Similar Products Used:
Dia-Comp
Bike Setup:
Scott Comp. Racing.
Bottom Line:
It was a good deal for a sealed headset. I would probally not buy one again just for the fact that I had to walk a mile off the trail, and because the top cap failed. My bike shop guy said mine was the third he had seen with this problem. It was a quick and easy fix but it shpuld not have failed in the first place. It is for this reason I give it 2 flamers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Richland, WA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, intelligent design, double seals (cartidge bearings), smooth, not too pricey.
Weaknesses:
Kind of looks goofey - like a freestyle headset, or something...
Obrit Extreme model - Hey! This is a nice little headset! I was surprised, because: a) FSA? and b) I got it cheap from Supergo - the original sleazy parts seller! Anyway - it's working out sweet. First off, ITS MADE BY DIACOMPE - so it's quite similar to their Cane Creek model. It's really very light, the bearings are big and sealed cartridge type (which makes it look a little over-sized and goofey on my steel Ibis frame). One problema: I really had to keep cranking down on my Aheadset cap to get the lockring jammed down in tight. After a couple of rides, though - it finally seted itself, and it's good to go now. "I dig it!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blitzcat
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dunn Road :-(
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cost, performance
Weaknesses:
Conix was hard to fit,
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Logic,etc
Bike Setup:
SX-R on Access
Bottom Line:
Got it with my Access frame from Supergo. Well, its been 12 months, and I just broke the fork. The headset seems new still. There was no headset gunk on the steerer tube when i pulled it out, balls still lubed and shiny/clean. I used Slick Honey and a lizard skin headset cover to keep it smooth. Could not get the fork race off broken SX-R however. LBS can't either. Supergo said buy a new King, the have replacements, and that FSA has no replacement races. Called FSA, its in the mail, no hassles. Go FSA!!! Can't blame Supergo, they are in it to make a profit after all.
The Conix is cool, it makes it hella easier for DIY fork installs. I may switch to the SFN for lower weight because I can, but its still neat. Mine got stuck too, but I removed it and freed the top cap with an Allen key and pliers, no biggie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Vancil
a Racer
from Columbus, OH USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
BikeTrials- Rocks/Big
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
For pin-point placement of your front wheel in BikeTrials, It is Super! Alot of times I "hang" form rocks and that is hard on any headset, But FSA's hold up great. I use the downhill set.
Weaknesses:
The threadless mounting system, I really think the Wwould have no problems
Similar Products Used:
Aheadset, Weak bottom race on the forks and over Blew up with a short time.
Bike Setup:
Modified Trials Bike & Scwhinn Homegrown Stock bike trials, Oury BMX grips,Maguras, FSA's, Kenda tires&tubes
Bottom Line:
It is worth is weight in gold. You will like it alot on there is hardly no MANTENANCE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angel Nieves
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bosque seco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
LOW cost Easy set up cool yellow color
Weaknesses:
Conix nut useless I use it as a mojo on my desk hard to mount
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe Tange
Bike Setup:
Manitou spider on Schwinn moab
Bottom Line:
Conix nuts are a waste of time. I use it with my homegrown headset cap but the price is simple great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angel Nieves
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bosque seco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
LOW cost Easy set up cool yellow color
Weaknesses:
Conix nut useless I use it as a mojo on my desk hard to mount
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe Tange
Bike Setup:
Manitou spider on Schwinn moab
Bottom Line:
Conix nuts are a waste of time. I use it with my homegrown headset cap but the price is simple great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from cumbria UK Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Bottom seals is a joke, lower bearing fell apart very quickly, FSA taking their time getting new bearings to my lbs
Similar Products Used:
Stronglight, XT, Ritchey (all 1" threaded, all very good)
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 with Pace Evo II forks
Bottom Line:
easy to put together, but after a fairly short time it started creaking when I was honking on the bars. Stripped it down to find the lower bearing had fallen apart. Ordered a replacement but 3 weeks on and my lbs still hasn't received it. The lower seal is a waste of time - I've replaced it with a section of inner tube stretched over the bottom of the head tube.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beau
a Racer
from toronto Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
cheap, look good, strong, smooth ,conix hand press on fork race
Weaknesses:
some ppl cant put it on right
Similar Products Used:
king, Ahead, ritchy
Bike Setup:
marin, caloi.
Bottom Line:
bottom like is, iv worked on bikes with these headsets for about a year now, and i use on on all of my bikes, and i have never had a problem, and iv used just about every headset they make.
im not sure whats going on with all these other ppls headsets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew wong
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland, new zealand Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
woodhill, riverhead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
easy installation looks great easily adjustable
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
ritchey logic
Bike Setup:
marin mt vision, z1 drop-offs
Bottom Line:
was having problems with the original ritchey headset which only lasted a few months. lots of play and needed constant readjustment. this headset was breeze to install, only took about half an hour. conix nut works very well and looks really tidy. the unit feels rock solid with my z1 drop offs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross-Country Rider
from Littleton CO Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price Looks
Weaknesses:
Seals Durability Conix
Similar Products Used:
Diacompe Race Face
Bike Setup:
Then: GT Zaskar Now: Yeti ARC
Bottom Line:
I put this on my Zaskar thinking it would be an inexpensive alternative to a King or Race Face. At least it was cheap. The Conix was no problem to install, and the red ano was cool. That's the good,now the bad. The seals are a joke! This was a total dirt trap. It worked pretty smoothly when tight and not full of dirt, which was not very often. It worked loose after every ride and when the bike was stolen, it was the only part I didn't miss. Maybe it was the alloy steerer on my Judy SL but that's no excuse. Thre are too many alloy forks out there to have compatibility issues. The Conix seems to be the answer, although not a good one, to a question nobody asked. For all the problems and extra weight, why bother? I put a Race Face on my new Yeti and have had zero problems. Yeah it costs three times as much, but to me it's worth it not to have to screw with it after every ride. 2 flaming red anodized piles
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Knobs Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Conix rocks! cool color only about $30
Weaknesses:
I lost the battle -- had to pay a professional to put it on.
Similar Products Used:
Standard aheadset
Bike Setup:
Schwinn badlands spyder R
Bottom Line:
I needed a new headset when I upgraded from the threaded shocks that came with my bike to threadless. I got the FSA UL (I think -- its the one with needle bearings on the bottom -- it was a display, so it didn't come with a box). I originally bought it becuase of the the cool red anodize. When I brought it home and put it on my bike, however, I had a lot of the similar problems with it others have posted here (i.e., the entire headset would come loose, it didn't seat properely). It wasn't until then that I came to here to read all the reviews on it. At first I thought maybe I had made a bad purchase decision, but then I took it up to my LBS to have them install it. It turns out that my head tube needed to be reamed and refaced. Now it's smooth as cherry pie! I had no problem with the conix cap; just make sure that if you buy one, it is one of the newer ones (it has a metal steering tube insert with teeth on it). The moral of the story here is to have a professional bike mechanic put it on for you!! Five flamers for being cheaper than one of those $130 King's.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999
Great headset in many colours at not much $$$ , that will last for long time. Conix -love it or hate it? If you consider purchasing any model of FSA headsets and you wonder what is the problem with Conix, well there is none. I'm reading all this negative remarks about Conix and wonder if some of you guys are for real. If insalling Conix is a trouble for you that you may have more serious problems in your life. Conix is very simple and very thoughtful design. First, since when the top plate/screw is supposed to hold your headset together after the initial insallation? Conix or any other system should be use only as a third hand during installation, right before tightening screws on the stem. After that you might even remove Conix or other ( do not - it looks stupid) and plug in a champaigne cork, for instance. All of you who own forks with alluminium steerer tubes should consider Conix a blessing. It prevents the steerer from being crushed by the stem. Star nut is a cheap and fast solution for the bike store mechanics. There is no way you can push in the star nut parallel to the steere tube. If you follow the instructions and install Conix propperly, it should never come loose. I installed my 2 years ago and works fine. If this in not enough consider that FSA has an excellent technical support, which is number the one virtue of of this product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, Co Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Overall, it is smooth and somewhat durable. After a year, yaer and a half of running it I purchased a new !! chameleon !! frame. Started swopping things over and got to the headset. I pulled my forks out and balls went spilling everywhere. The cartridge came apart. The cool thing is it was rebuildable and went back together and I'm still running it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AV98
a Cross-Country Rider
from SF Bay Area Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
High speed Fireroads and Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price Looks Sleek Design Smooth movement
Weaknesses:
Nothing so far
Similar Products Used:
Tange Aheadset Diacompe SAS Aheadset
Bike Setup:
Proflex 857 NR-2 Front NR-4 Rear Full XT component grouppo
Bottom Line:
Got this aheadset at a local bike shop. They were smart enough not to use the Conix star nut that came along with it. I've heard horror stories about gouged steering tubes. The old Tange star nut works fine. This is a really good inexpensive aheadset. Crashed a couple of times and the headset keeps turning. Recommended as a low cost solution. If you want something better get a Chris King, my LBC's head mechanic swears by it. Until the next upgrade my FSA will do the 4 cheesy poof job, 1 poof off for the Conix star nut.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EJ
a Weekend Warrior
from O.C. USA Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
carbon canyon
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks cool, cheap.... ($10) at Jensen USA, ($25) at Supergo.
Weaknesses:
a little heavier w/ conix.
Similar Products Used:
cheap OEM dia-comp
Bike Setup:
Bad Azz Kona hardtail
Bottom Line:
Rick at FSA is a cool cat, he answered all my lame ass questions politely and professionally. Nice to talk directly to a human without navigating through Voice Mail Hell. Now I will proudly sport my black ano FSA Orbit and advertise it by slapping the free FSA sticker on my frame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy Setup Cartridge Bearings Conix
Weaknesses:
Had to call FSA to get correct size Conix.
Similar Products Used:
Dia-Compe
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-400
Bottom Line:
Supergo doesn't send the correct size Conix for alloy steerer tubes. Just call or e-mail FSA and they will send you one free. Everything else has been great!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Works great Conix
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Pro-Flex 856, XTR, RST XMO
Bottom Line:
I wanted something different than Chris King so I tried the Orbit Xtreme from FSA. I like the way it looks I don't even notice that it is there so it must be doing it's job. The conix works great but you have to get a diiferent one for alloy steerers. Since I can't account for durability 4 chilis for now
The headset is great, though the top bearings should be ball because the turn smoother and have lower stack height. The conix thing is great. You can adjust your headset tight your stem and then remove to to save weight, you must find something to close the hole on top though. Four chilies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trev Simpson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stoney Creek, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Trails dont have names
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
the Conix nut rules the Colour the Price the Needle Bearings
Weaknesses:
What Weakness?
Similar Products Used:
Ahead set ritchey
Bike Setup:
Kona Muni Mula Z-3 Fork
Bottom Line:
This headset is the best headset on the market. If you dont like the conix nut you have some serious issues. It makes ajustment so easy and worry free!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Laflamme
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto Canada Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Goat
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Needle bearings Easy set up LOW cost
Weaknesses:
Conix nut (which I intentionally left for the parts bin). I was given the wrong info on stack height
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe Tange
Bike Setup:
Mantra w/ Manitou Pro (with full springs)
Bottom Line:
First things, first. Conix nuts are a waste of time. The only advantage they have is eliminating installing a SFN. Big deal. It's a one time installation and not hard. The good news is that the shop let me leave it behind and take a SFN just in case. The set up was a piece of cake, except for the erroneous stack height which let me trying to get it seated properly. An extra spacer fixed it.Over all for 35 CDN$ it's been worth the money
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob
a Weekend Warrior
from banbury england Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any fast and technical ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice colour-blue, smother than ball bearings, orbit uf-needle bearings
Weaknesses:
conix-dosn't fit alloy steerer tube, customer severces took me for an idiot
Similar Products Used:
ritchleylogic
Bike Setup:
spesh rockhopper a1 fs, marzocchi z3 long travel
Bottom Line:
alright headset conix is a waste of alloy and time
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Cattermole
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallington, England Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
This headset rules! It was a breeze to install, mine didn't come with the Conix thing so I had no problems. I managed to get it (the XLII)for £25, about half price and I have never regretted it. I abuse it and it takes everything I can throw at it, the other day I was river jumping (you know, as in landing in the river, it means you can do tricks without worrying about the landing)and every component with bearings on my bike busted except this. My only gripe is that the red colour is more like pink, but hey, who cares? Buy it, it's bombproof!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikko Mellin
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cheap,pretty light,great colors
Weaknesses:
May be hard to adjust if not readed carefully the instructions!
Similar Products Used:
Been too busy with this product to buy others!
Bike Setup:
Dacon frame,Marzocchi DH3 fork,LX/XT parts.
Bottom Line:
It is propably pretty unsual to review a product to the same site more than once,but i earlier reviewed this headset and at the time i was just boughted it so i really did not know how to adjust it correctly.But the times has changed and i now know how to play with this part!So im giving this headset FIVE chillies because during one year use it has showed me that expensive parts are not allways better!Ps.Before you start install your new headset be sure that you have readen the instructions carefully!!!Otherwise you might give others wrong picture about the product...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from MPLS Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Buck Hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
?
Weaknesses:
Gunks up easy, Stupid Conix piece of junk.
Similar Products Used:
Went from cheap OEM, to FSA junk, to a beautiful King.
Bike Setup:
Oldie but Goodie
Bottom Line:
While the headset performed pretty well, it seemed to get guukie pretty easy, (and yes I know how to adjust the dang headset) but that conix cap is a waste of metal. The cap would never get tight because the teeth would stick to the post that was supposed to push them out before it could really tighten up. then when I did get it tight, It wouldn't loosen to take it out. I had to pound it with a stick throught the bottom of the steer tube just to free it up. Way to much work for a product that didn't even function well. Two Chili's without a flame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great headset for the money, not worth it to spend 100+ bucks for a King or Raceface
Weaknesses:
Piece o' shit conix thing
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche, Manitou SX-R, full XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
After I installed this I went on 2 rides, on the 2nd ride I noticed a some play in the entire headset so I tried to pake the topcap off the POS conix thing and the threads were locked up (and yes, I greased the threads). Oh yeah, the allen key hole stripped out in the process of trying to loosen the top cap. So I had to pry it out of the steer tube and just got a new star nut and new top cap from my LBS. If you buy this throw out the shitty conix thing and just use a star nut and a regular top cap.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Doesn't work too well
Weaknesses:
Stiff , and ugly
Similar Products Used:
WTB
Bike Setup:
Giant , Manitou
Bottom Line:
This head set is quite lousy..so i only have to try my best to give 2 chillies.. haa.It's stiff .. WTB is much more better and it's more worth it buying wtb !!! FSA yucks...anyway for beginners..using this product is also quite good indeed
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Downhiller
from Hampshire, UK Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Buckland Rings
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great bearings, Easy to fit and setup, Overall it is very good.
Weaknesses:
Damn Conix thing
Similar Products Used:
Dia Compe cheapy thing.
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX 1000 with HUGH DH forks.
Bottom Line:
Get rid of the Conix, replace it with an Azonic HeadLock or Star fangled doobry = very good headset.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kansas City Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
NOYB
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great headset
Weaknesses:
Bad Conix nut contraption
Bike Setup:
GT LTS-1 / Manitou X-Vert-R
Bottom Line:
The headset is not the problem for the looseing guys. I gaurentee that if you use this conix thing on another headset you will have similar problems. To verify this, the boys at the shop put the normal nut/bolt from a Schwin home grown into the headset, and I have had no problems since...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean murphy
a Downhiller
from spokane, washington Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
beacon hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
it is flat out sweet except the conix
Weaknesses:
the stupid conix stripped out and now i can't remove it
Similar Products Used:
cane creek ahead
Bike Setup:
cannondale SV 1000fr w/head shock motofr fork
Bottom Line:
it rules but change out the conix
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Berryman
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Just an update, had a hard time installing the conix adaptor on my alloy steerer, but Rick at FSA is phenominal! Sent me a new lower piece which worked without any hassle. People, if you're having problems and can't get satisfaction at your LBS, call FSA and explain your problem, they will be more than happy to fix the problem! It seems that there are a lot of dealers who employ robot mechanics who can't read an instruction manual or use a telephone because the system is elegant, flawless if you have the correct size for the tube being installed, which can be fixed by dialing a telephone.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kelvin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hampshire/Surrey Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
muddy ones
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This review is for the XL II; Good quality smart design smooth
Weaknesses:
Conix fitment requires BRAIN POWER. People constantly knock the product.
Similar Products Used:
Direcomp POS
Bike Setup:
Pace EVOII on DNA Ti frame Profile Stiffy + two spacers
Bottom Line:
I can't believe the total rubbish that is spewed on this review page. Hey, idiots if your frigging fork is being scrapped by the headset = mill the bottom cup down. Or even better buy a different headset that doesn't scrape it - or maybe just replace your fork, its probably gubbins if it's that high against the headset cup. Or my headset goes tight then loose - hey maybe, just maybe, its your POS frames headtube that's not correctly faced. Get the damn thing checked and the cups fitted by a decent LBS!!!!! Anyway I've been using this XL II for a while now - the conix fitment caused about half an hours hassle because I'd been too mean on cutting the steerer - the conix needs a bit more space so therefore I filed the steerer down about 1-1.5 mm as I'd cut the steerer giving about 5mm of diff between the stem top and the steerer top. Remember to grease the conix well and use a small screw driver to push the rubber o-ring down into the steerer because on my aluminium steerer on the Pace EVO II's is thick walled and so everythings a close fit. Hey the damn thing works well really smooth - just follow the instructions well - and use a small screw driver to fit the conix. For christ's sake, common sense you bunch of whiners!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bolingbrook Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
knock knolls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It is easy to maintain and clean. Looks rad on my bike.
Weaknesses:
the conix technology was kinda dicy, didnt seem like it fit right. when adjusted properly it works great.
This is suprisingly a great headset, even though it came stock with the frame set i got from supergo. ive had no problems with it, i love how smooth it is. maybe doesnt have the lifetime warranty a CK set has but its alot cheaper. buy this if you dont want to shell out big bucks for a CK head set.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross-Country Rider
from RSM, CA Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Solid headset; forgot it was there.
Weaknesses:
conix nut can be a challenge to set-up for the mechanically impairted.
Initially installed by LBS; they pooched it. It stayed loose and wouldn't tighten. Conix top cap seized to conix so I promptly stripped it with an allen key and a pair of vise grips. I called Rick at FSA and explained what happened (the top cap shouldn't have seized) so he sent me one in the mail for free. I got it two days later, lubed the crap out of it and put it in. Rock solid. Take off the top cap, loosen inside allen bolt to reduce diameter of conix grabby-things (that's some tech talk for you), slide in, tighten to expand conix, install top cap and tighten to cinch headset and fork, tighten stem, back off top cap just a hair and you're golden. Headsets aren't that big of a deal and if you forget they are there then they are doing their job. Good product, excellent customer service (Thanks, Rick!). Proper installation is the key. After the trouble I was having from the LBS installation, I was giving some thought to a Chris King, but I'm glad I didn't. It would have been a waste of money for me. FSA Headset: Cinco habeneros en fuego.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. Louis MO Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent finish and construction
Weaknesses:
Can't find any yet
Similar Products Used:
Dia Comp and WTB Momentum
Bike Setup:
hardtail, Judy SL 98'
Bottom Line:
Bought mine at Bikeworld and first tried the XTR grey model which went back for the black ano model. The grey model wasn't finished all the way through and it looked like it would chip easily. The black model is a different story, fully finished and lettering is engraved. Strange initial setup, but worth the hassle. Bearings smooth and the Conix thing actually is not a problem once you figure out the proper way of installing and tightening.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Quattuccio
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh PA Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Endless Valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cheap, has nice roller bearings in it. Smooth as butter. Hard to overload and bind because of roller bearings.
Weaknesses:
The bearing race that is pressed onto your fork is hard to remove, harder than others. The conix thing plain doesn't work.
Similar Products Used:
I've owned a bunch of headsets and worked on a lot of them. A headsets a headsets a headset.
Bike Setup:
1st bike: AMP B3 Current bike: Spoooky Darkside Fork: Rock Shox Judy FSX
Bottom Line:
Great headset for the price. Buy this one and save your other cash for seomthing else. Its not hard to rebuild a headset.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Disatisfied
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
BT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
To say that this headset sucks is an understatement. I'm wondering why the company is still around - they ought to be shot for manufacturing such crap. It is unstable, noisy, looks ugly and just plain lousy. Don't ever get this headset!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
PRODUCT: FSA Orbit XtremeExcellent headset. No Play Good Seals Strong Lightweight Inexpensive Good Looks AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE
Weaknesses:
Conix is kind of questionable. It seems kind of weak to use as a tightening agent. I just pressed hard on the stem and tightened. I use to conix to keep it from coming loose.
Similar Products Used:
Dia-Compe
Bike Setup:
Marin Ovation Hardtail Manitou SX-TPC Kore Litestem 3
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome headset. My friends say that it's a piece of junk, but they haven't used it yet. I ride a lot and over some bumpy stuff. The headset is smooth and virtually free of play. I got it for 50 bucks from Supergo (now $63.00) and i'm glad i didn't spend over 100 for race face or king. Works awesome. The bearings are nicely sealed, and the finish (silver) is great too.I did have a problem with the conix sizing. Supergo sent me the wrong size, but Rick at FSA sent me one in a couple days. And i didn't even touch the phone. Just emailed him, and checked my box two days later. Thanks Rick Awesome product!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from north bay, ontario Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
look good cheap does it's job
Weaknesses:
conix can be a real hassel
Bike Setup:
hard tail with judy xc
Bottom Line:
as an inexspencive way to add some flash to your bike this product is the shit! no it can't be comapared th king or raceface in quality because it's less than 1/4 the price. lose the conix thing and use your old top cap and starfangles nut it functions like any other head set. I've had no problems with mine, it's held up through close to six months of winter trail riding with out needing any maintenence. Most of the complaints of it not staying tight are due to the conix thing or of damage caused by runing it loose again because of the conix thing. If you by one of these only use the conix if you have the time and pacience to constantly screw with it otherwise pawn it off on a buddy and listen to him whine about it. Would be a 5 chile rating but including the conix with the headset incurages people to use it which can be a realy bad thing so only 4 chiles
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roman
a Weekend Warrior
from Isle of Wight Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
N/A
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Iv'e had this headset for over 3 months and it's the best iv'e ever had or ridden with. I do a lot of trials and jumping, therefore the headset gets a good hammering, but this one is lasting brilliantly. It's even east to take apart!
Weaknesses:
Nowt
Similar Products Used:
i have had a few other headsets from the likes of Dia Compe, and just and aheadset one, but the FSA one rules!
Bike Setup:
I have a small framed hard tail with Z2 bombers.
Bottom Line:
The beat headset in this price range, period.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Matty
a cross-country rider
from Thailand Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is about FSA's customer service. I own a bike shop and deal with a lot of different companies. FSA is the best We have ever worked with. Every query has received a response within 24 hours. Parts have been sent and arrived within two weeks of a request, no questions asked and no need to return the brocken or damaged item. If I could rate FSA's service truly, I would have to be able to give 6 chili's
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a cross-country rider
from Greensboro, NC Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have been using FSA headsets for a couple of years now, I think they rule. Anytime I needed something or had a problem, these guys are on the money. No questions asked or hassles, they would just send me the parts I needed. They're the best company I've ever dealt with. I recommend them to anyone.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a cross-country rider
from Fleet, England Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
I use the Orbit and agree that it is very hard to tighten. I have already broken the conix that it came with and now am on the second. When it is tight it is very smooth. I'll replace it this summer with a better one, but probably not a FSA.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a cross-country rider
from Hermosa Beach, CA Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
To Louray who wrote his review on 12/18/98, who are you? I am the Rick from FSA you are talking about and you have never called us and I have never talked to you. If you read the other reviews on this site as well as many others, you'll see that we always take care of our customers. Your attempt to bad mouth our company is foolhardy! If you truly do have a problem, call our technical support number at (310)372-9300 and I will personally take care of you. Otherwise, take your lies somewhere else.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Matty
a cross-country rider
from Thailand Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
As a bike shop owner I have sold and installed numerous FSA headsets. As value for dollar goes I find them to be among the best. True, the conix cap does have some problems. But the inexpensive Orbit DL is one of the smoothest and least free playing headsets I have ever seen. The models with the needle bearing inspire incredible confidence on downhills because of their lack of play. They actually seem to make the front end stiffer. But they must be regularly maintained, otherwise rust and bearing failure will be a problem. For value I say these are 5 chili headsets. The conix causes a loss of one and the required maintenance causes a loss of one. But customer service has always been superb, so plus one for that. So the total is
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louray
a cross-country rider
from SC Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
DO NOT EVER BUY AN FSA PRODUCT. THE COMPANY IS AS POORLY MANAGED AS ANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH.I have been in contact with their customer service constantly in an effort to remedy a situation that occurred 2 months ago. I have been promised on 4 occasions that my situation would be taken care of by Rick in FSA customer service, and I just found out that he has been lying to me all the time. I know this because his latest story is full of inconsistencies, and I am no idiot!I know now that Rick never attempted to make amends in the first place, and consequently, I have been left hanging for 2 months without a bike to ride.I also learned too late from other sources that Rick has a habit of promising and not delivering. Looks like I am just another customer he has managed to screw. In all of my many dealings with businesses, I have never been so disappointed. Don't let the same thing happen to you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FrankZ
a cross-country rider
from San Luis Obispo, Ca Date Reviewed: December 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Orbital Extreme. It can be a hard headset to tighten. My local shop couldn't get it right and it was a while before I did. Here is a tip that works if you have a starspangled nut. Loosen the stem. Then using some temporary washers instead of your top cap, screw in the 5mm screw and press the stem down onto the headset untill there is no play. Check for play by grabbing the bars with the brake on while standing over the front wheel. When tight, secure stem to steerer tube. Then remove 5mm screw and washers and install 5mm screw with regular top cap. Unfortunately if you try to tighten down the headset using the regular top cap, the cap will probably break before the headset seals are compressed properly. I like the Exteme. For the money it works well. Three chilies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from chicago, IL Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Just got the FSA Orbit DL from Supergo. For $25 the price was right. I'm not a headset guru but I have installed Shimano XT threaded, Joe Murray threaded, recently a Richey Logic threadless. One thing I look for in a headset is oversized bearings on the lower race to better distribute the pounding from the suspension fork. The FSA uses standard bearings in both races so time will tell how it holds up. I am also a little suspicious of the seals. They seem pretty wimpy compared to other headsets out there. Several other notes - 1) the anodizing is not the best and there are several places where my red headset is actually pink! 2) The packaging had Tien Hsin Industries on it which leads me to believe that this is a Tiwanese knock-off of a good headset. The performance of it will be the deciding factor, however, I usually try to buy American parts like Grip Shift and Race Face.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo M.
a cross-country rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Sorry but RACE FACE is not american...about the DL headset, it holds up well and doesn't need anymore maintenance that any cheap headset out there (i.e. once a year and for no apparent reason), of all the cheapos this is the best lookin' that's why I choosed(?) it. I hope I can buy a KING anytime soon.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Krzysztof
a cross-country rider
from Poland Date Reviewed: October 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I ahve Orbit RD version (double needle bearings) and for almost year I had absolutely no problems with them. They do not loosen, I haven't greased since it have been put on my bike and they still work fine. And they have very good Conix mechanism which replaces standard star put into the steerer tube. Really great and cheap headset.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
don
a weekend warrior
from middle of nowhere, PA Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
there definitely needs to be separate reviews for separate models. i have the orbit extreme and am very pleased with it. just like most of the others here with that headset. i bought my brother a orbit dl and he has had no problems with it. i had the wrong size conix when i got mine from supergo too but i just machined a headlock for it. mine has never come loose and neither has my brothers since i put the conix in it. the idiots at eddies in state college didn't even know how to install it. i would recommend fsa products to anyone. and if you have problems give fsa a chance to fix it before you trash them. they are a great company that has stood behind their products well over 3 years that i know of. five tj taco fillings!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a weekend warrior
from B-ham WA Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got the FSA Orbit EXTREME. It only cost 50 bucks and was the easiest headset I ever installed. The conix thing that was shipped was the wrong size but after a phone call a new one was shipped out and now it works fine. Absolutly NO complaints even after 4 months of use
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shambly Man
a weekend warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
Purchased Orbit DL. Thought it really rocked at first - v. plush and smooth. After a month of tricks and the like, headset got wobbly. Not good. Tried to tighten. Not work. Tried nice man at bike shop. No problem he said. Big problem I said, when I got it back, cos it was still wobbly. Got new bike frame. Aha, I thought, my headset will now work. Wrong. This headset is good at first but sucks big time after the jibblies set in.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikko Mellin
a weekend warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased F.S.A orbit UF In early 98,it looks COOL but loseens during time! Yes it`s cheap,cool looking kinda light but it still LOOSENS.Of course you can buy a Azonic headlock to secure that it stays tighten,but you still have to pay more money,so i think that it`s not worth the money!!!(Looks Cool!!!)(Stays loosen)!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xavery Mulinski
a cross-country rider
from PL Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Bought the Orbit niddles/balls (forgot_da_symbol) and i'm happy with them. for over 6 months i had to adjust them only twice. they're still nice lubed and do not show any signs of corrosion. Compared to my old DiaTech they're just great. and i like the conix mechanism...flawless for me - 5 chilies
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce D.
a cross-country rider
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have rode on a Orbit Xtreme for around 4 months now, and it is smoother than when installed, and has not needed to be tightened once. For 49.00 it is a great deal. Supergo sent me the wrong contax (or whatever they call the doohickey that replaces the star fangled nut), so I emailed FSA and they got it to me in less than a week! Great customer service in my experience has been hard to find, so I will buy FSA products in the future.I sounds like there is a great difference between the orbit xtreme and the less expensive FSA headset. In fairness of a good product there should be two categories of reviews for each. 5 chili's for FSA for the good product and cust service.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Pierce
a cross-country rider
from El Cerrito, CA Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just bought a FSA Orbit Extreme Headset (from Supergo for $49) and let me tell you this thing rocks!!! It was easy to install and beyond tightening it once after some severe downhill requires no adjustments whatsoever. This is by far the best deal on a quality headset anywhere. Before I installed it I had a few questions and FSA got back to me via e-mail within 1 day. I've never had a Chris King but I don't think I'll ever need one as the Extreme is everything I'll ever need/want (it come with a 5 year warranty, so maybe after 5 years?). The Extreme replaced a stock Dia-Compe which was a piece of garbage and man can I tell the difference.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a weekend warrior
from Amish Country, PA Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have installed this headset a few weeks ago without ANY shop tools or fancy crap. I used a vise to install the races, and a screwdriver to put in the bearings. I put a crapload of grease in each race. I have not ridden in the dirt on it yet, but hope to soon. Great Headset only $25 at Supergo, which by the way is the best kickn' *ss mailorder house in the world!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Mama
a cross-country rider
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
Got the Orbit DL about 3 months ago when I switched to a threadless fork. So far I have had absolutely no problems with it, and I think the Conix works great. People need to understand that the cap is not supposed to hold everything together -- it's just to clamp everything down so you can tighten your stem, which really does the holding. Anyway, this headset was cheap as hell, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do. Even if I had the money, I wouldn't waste it on a Chris King. 5 burning mice...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a weekend warrior
from SF,CA Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got the UF model in anodized red. I used this for a good 2 years or so and have no functional problems with it except for the Conix plug, it just doesn't work, the design of the top cap just does not allow the headset to be tightened right. This wasn't really a problem for me since I used a club roost cap system from the beginning. The other thing is the anodizing job, it was so beautiful when I first got it, a rich red color, but now the lower cup has actually faded, so it looks lighter compared to the top cup, which really really really sucks. But this is a good functional headset for the price, just don't used the conix plug system, a regular star flange nut and cap would be much better. I have no real maintaince problems either, just keep it well packed with grease and it'll run smoothly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N Mathias
a cross-country rider
from Guildford, England Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
FSA UF Ahead Total CRAP. My original Ahead-set lasted 3 British winters. When it showed signs of wear I brought the FSA, seduced by its good looks in early May 98. Fitting was dead easy. After packing with Finish Line Teflon grease all was looking good. 2 Months later I am the proud owner of a useless rusted, corroded piece of junk, that keeps coming loose.The angle of the needle bearings surface are just perfect to collect as much trial crud as it can.The feeble rubber seal is just not up to the job. CRAP Minus 5 red steaming things for this product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Stofanak
a downhiller
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Not too much can be said about this headset except it doesn't stay tight. It looks pretty impressive but that's about it. It really sucks when you have to travel at least 3 hours for good downhill'n, Plattekill, and you spend half the damn day fighting with a loose headset.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the FSA DL and at first it seemed cool. The conix thing has to be seriously tight in the steerer tube otherwise it will continuously come loose. Then, it started knocking really loudly on rides. People were lookin at me all funny and shit so I decided to take it apart (I first adjusted it many times) and see what gives. The sealed bearings fell apart in my hands! I think I'm gonna take this up with the shop I bought it from. My $10 Aheadset worked better with a cracked race!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arturo Navarro
a weekend warrior
from México City Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I replace a Ritchey/diacompe headset from my Specialized Ground Control thinking that this ones (FSA Orbit) are bether, the lower cup are totally corroded, and the needle bearings whit problems too, I put my old headset in my girlfriend´s bike, and she dont have any trouble yet whit a cheaper headset, the FSA headset looks cool, but try to not recomend it to any one.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
