Dirt kills. So our custom CNC-machined 7075 T6 aluminum headset is sealed with an impact-resistant Snap-on Delrin® boot, super-slippery Teflon® piston ring and positive-contact O-ring to keep the dirt where it belongs. On somebody else’s face.
The meek shall be eaten. Don't become lunch meat. Which is why our double-sealed upper bearings and double-sealed bi-directional angular contact lower bearings can handle those abusive and jack-hammering descents.
No fretting, freezing or misalignment. Instead, Syncros' precision-machined cups deliver perfect bearing fit for a lifetime of silky smooth rides.
Submitted by
David Hakimi
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Three Sisters Aldifer
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Bikewagon/ Ebay
Strengths:
I've owned several of the original Canadian Syncros headsets, and they were incredibly awesome. Better designed, and better looking than Chris King. HOWEVER.... those were the original Canadian made units. I just bought one of the new Taiwanese made versions on Ebay, and I have to say that I was very disappointed. Poorer finish, poorer tolerances, and overall poorer quality. I didn't even bother to install it, and sent it back for a refund.
That being said... it was still probably an OK headset. Just not an incredibly awesome headset, like the original Canadian made ones. In its defense, it did still use Enduro Max sealed bearings. Enduro Max bearings, are just about the highest quality sealed bearings out there. Intense, Tomac and Santa Cruz use them exclusively on all of their full suspension frames.
Weaknesses:
Poor finish (compared to the original Canadian Syncros headsets), and somewhat sloppy tolerances. I say sloppy tolerances, because the bottom cup of this headset didn't feel nearly as smooth as it should of... with Enduro bearings. Also, it didn't seem to go together as easily as it should have.
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek S6 (best headset around for the money), Chris King (nice, but over-rated and over-priced), Cane Creek Solos, Cane Creek S6 IS.
Also, the original Canadian Syncros headset. Bad to the bone... if you can still find one somewhere.
Bike Setup:
Several high-end rigs, as I build custom bikes for a side business. Ventana El Chamuco, Intense Uzzi SL, Turner Burner, Santa Cruz Bullit, Rocky Mountain Edge, Marin Wildcat FRS, and a Raleigh Ram XL (surprisingly great bike).
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a headset in the $45 range, buy a Cane Creek S6 instead. Or... snatch it up, if you can find an original Canadian Syncros.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a
from Oregon Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Looks sweet, seals are fantastic. Oozes quality. Turns very smoothly.
Weaknesses:
Mine loosened repeatedly even though it was properly pressed into a new DH frame that was freshly and perfectly faced and lubed. I wasn't real keen on ovalizing the head tube on my new frame so I chucked the Syncros and put in an FSA Pig that has stayed tight with the same star nut and stem that was used for the Syncros. All the evidence points to the Syncros headset being the culprit. Also, I think the cups are dangerously short. They just don't sink deep enough into the frame to suit me, even for XC.
Similar Products Used:
Pretty much every headset in existence. King, of course, is the best.
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Straight 8.
Bottom Line:
Nice but cups are too short and mine kept loosening up. The price was so good that I still think it was worth it. I ended up putting it on my beater. Buy it, but don't pay more than $25 and don't ride it hard.
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Submitted by
Saby R
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fire trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$57.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Will perform the way it is intended to perform, bought it on sale for a good deal. have the Syncros legacy name.
Weaknesses:
I question the qualify of the sealing system.
Similar Products Used:
Diacomp crap...
Bike Setup:
Syncros post, stem,crank bolt, full XTR
Bottom Line:
When I purchased my SID Race I had the opportunity to examine the bearing of the Headset to my surprise,the outher metal (bearing holder) was rusted??? I pamper my bike more than my wife (so to speak) and I don't understand how this could have heappned since I donc ride in Mud or rain, maybe it's the humide climate of the east coast... Maybe the outside bearing was not greased prorely...Nevertheless I will be spending more time maintaining this piece wich is a bit of a pleasure for me to wrench on my bike... Otherwise I am a big fan of Syncros pre-GT era...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Perfectly smooth, impervious to dirt, durable and looks great, what more could you want from a headset?
Weaknesses:
Only available in two colours??
Similar Products Used:
Bunch of lower end and OEM headsets
Bike Setup:
Trek STP, Full XTR except for the Truvativ Crankset, Thomson, Thomson, Marzocchi Bomber Atom 80.
Bottom Line:
As I said it's smooth, dirtproof, strong and good looking. Plus it can be found for dirt cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin White
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
Super smooth, incredible tolerances.
Weaknesses:
No headset cap included
Bottom Line:
Just as nice as they come, I saw it on sale and grabbed one cheap. Great deal at this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Waspinator
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
-Even smoother than a Chris King -Keeps out dirt -Looks unique!
Weaknesses:
About 20 grams heavier than a King
Similar Products Used:
Chris King
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche
Bottom Line:
Great headset. I think it's even better than the Chris King. True, the bearings aren't serviceable, but bearings aren't particularly expensive to replace. More importantly, however, is that the seal on the Syncros bearing as well as the headset is better than the King. The King bearings, if memory serves, are sealed with a little metal ring. It's not actually "sealed". The Syncros uses a plastic, rubbery like ring that covers the insides of the cartridge much better. Also, when looking at a King headset, you'll notice that there are spaces where dirt and grit can (and does) enter....particularly between the crown race and lower bearing cup. Also on the King, there's a space between the bearing cap and the upper bearingcup where dirt and grit enters. Spaces like this are completely absent on the Syncros. The upper bearing cover on the Syncros headset drapes over the bearing cup, effectively sealing it off. On the lower half, the Delrin boot keeps things sealed completely. No need to use a Lizard Skins cover.
The only thing I think is better about the King headset (aside from the famous Chris King customer service) is the fact that both bearings have angular contacts, whereas on the Syncros, only the lower bearing has an angular contact. Unless, of course, Syncros felt that it was better without it on the upper bearing. Regardless, I'd say this headset is better than the King....and that says a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
rough CC
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
just an update: in use since 1997, disassembled twice for lubing, function still PERFECT. i run it on a custom hardtail with a rock shox judy xc suspension fork. often in rough and wet european terrain, no complains or disadjustments. a real good piece of equipment (like all my other syncros components)
i would purchase the Syncros Headset again, but i think it will never break ;-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DiRT
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Works. Hasn't failed
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
King, Diacompe, FSA
Bike Setup:
full susp, cross link carbon fork
Bottom Line:
It hasn't failed me. It's as smooth as my king. I've not found any problems with water in the lower crown...
I'll give it five because it is as good as my king.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Newbury
a Cross Country Rider
from South Side Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Elwood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Bearings are bombproof oversize races its matte black
Weaknesses:
that damn plastic top cap sucks!
Similar Products Used:
schwap headsets (tange, specialized, etc)
Bike Setup:
'97 ibis mojo
Bottom Line:
If it weren't for that top cap this would be absolutely perfect. The oversized races distribute the load over more area, leading to longer life. I've ridden this for 3 years and have only adjusted it twice, its still as smooth as new. the top cap distorts, but it hasn't effected the performance of the headset (i've been riding it that way for a year). no biggie. an excellent headset for those wishing to stray from the King headset norm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dwayne
a Weekend Warrior
from st. clair shores Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
price, quality, looks, durability
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
cane creek, king
Bike Setup:
schwinn homegrown h/t
Bottom Line:
bought used from a dude who rides pretty hard and was holding up fine. Then I hit a pickup truck doing about 25 mph. The impact trashed a Marzocchi fork, bent a White ind hub, the brake rotor, and completely trashed the front wheel. The headset was undamaged. It is currently doing duty on my FSR with no problems at all. I will not consider buying another brand. Thanks Syncros for a excellent product. If I could, I would give it a hundred burning chuubas
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Murph
a Cross-Country Rider
from Longmont, CO Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Have used this for 2.5 years now and have never had any problems at all. Every 4-5 months I pull the forks, clean out the old grease and add some new stuff. Never even had to regrease the sealed bearings. One less component to worry about. Now that Syncros has been sold will the same quality continue??
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt b
a Cross-Country Rider
from mankato Date Reviewed: August 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
smooth, looks cool light
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
El Cheapo HS
Bike Setup:
Mantra Race Aluminum steerer, syncros stem
Bottom Line:
I got a good deal on this, otherwise I probably would have got a KIng. I've had this for a while now and I'm actually glad that it is not a king. It does a great job has a long warranty and is very light -what more could you ask for?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spaceboy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the dump
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Looks good, light, so smooooth, stays smooooth (great seals).
Weaknesses:
Colour options are always good, but I guess that that goes against Syncros' black fetish. Has a kind of spaceship look.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Impact, Dia Comp
Bike Setup:
Custom Moulden 853, Z2 Bombers, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
Great reliability, would buy it again. Stays tight and clean (I ride a lot in West Coast B.C. rain, and the bike gets lots of exposure to mud).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toshi Clark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: May 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Bottom Line:
I wanted a Chris King for my xc bike when I built it up in the spring of '96, but my lbs was out of them. I ended up paying as much for the Syncros as I would have for a King, but I don't regret choosing the Syncros. It has been smooth and reliable - no complaints.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Delaveaga
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Sealed cartridge bearings, light weight, ability to last
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
King
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Z-1
Bottom Line:
I have ridden this HS for 2 years atleast two times a week. The bearings are still in great shape. It never comes loose. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good sealed HS. Anything that can go through two very wet winters is worth investing in. Lets see a loose bearing HS do that.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ILZU
a racer
from FINLAND = FINELAND Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I HAVE USED OVER THE YEAR SYNCROS HARDCORE HEADSET AND I DON´T NOTICE ANYTHING WHAT TELLS ABOUT LOOSING OF TOLERANCES. I RIDE VERY AGGRESSIVELY STYLE AND GIVE NO MERCY TO MY BIKE, SO IF YOU WANT TO REALLY GOOD HEADSET TO YOUR BIKE WHAT LAST FOREVER, LISTEN TO MAN AND GO GET SYNCROS.NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Petri Rahikkala
a cross-country rider
from Oulu, Finland Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
After having a King headset on my previous bike I was a bit dissapointed when my LBS couldn't get one for my newest bike and I had to settle for a Syncros Hardcore. Boy was I wrong! After riding it for a year I have to say that the Syncros headset has proven to at least as good as the King, if not just a little better. If I had to choose now, I'd definately go with Syncros!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Curran
a cross-country rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
In the great clash of the head-set titans, 4 headsets surfaced from the ash of the war. On the ground lay shimano, Dia-comp, Tioga, and FSA. The mighty few that claimed glory that day were King, Syncros, Raceface, and Cane Creek. They each stood draped in alum and Ti, the anodized colors shone in the sunlight. They each ruled equally and justly in the heavens. They were our victors. They were our gods.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northridge, CA Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
Replaced the factory Diacompe SA headset because fit was poor at upper and bottom cups around the fork and stem on my Schwinn 96.1. Looked at Chris King(no better fit) , wouldn't consider FSA but the Syncros did an awesome job fitting the frame. No special price deals, actually paid $6.00 more for the Syncros than the King. Steering and feel was 100% better than the SA. Expensive, yes, but it does the job!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a cross-country rider
from Athens, GA Date Reviewed: August 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
I installed the Syncros headset last year. It's not been as good as I expected. I have had a problem with contamination in the lower race area and have had to install a Lizard Skin headset protector. Syncros claims that all headsets will do this. Bull!! And also tension adjustment is not as fine as it should be, like say how it is with a King. I only paid $55 for this, so it wasn't the worst deal, and it is smooth and hasn't loosened on me. But if I ever have to replace it I would spend the $ on a King.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan
a cross-country rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 29, 1997
Bottom Line:
Function : excellent Design : very cool Finish : moderate (could be easily scratched) Price : high
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bart Childers
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City, MO Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
I'm not a big fan of sealed bearings but I dislike maintenance. So, being in a quandry I decided to try a sealed headset and went with the Syncros. (It seems my bottom headset bearing required the most service).I've had it for about a month with about 100 off-road miles and so far - so good. It was kind of hard installing the top race with it's double seals, I think I might have munched them somewhat pounding it on. Oh well.I'll give it 4 Chilis because, it is only a headset. I'm not going to be faster because of it. Hopefully it will just sit there and work and not require any work from me.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lurch
a cross-country rider
from B'ham Alabama Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just had it put on my bike. I road tested it and we will find out what it's really like on the trail tomorrow. Looks sweet and is light and feels real smooth.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TOSH THE HUSKY
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just got this headset. It looks cool. I got it instead of a KING b/c of killer deal. I have not ridden my bike yet, but was wondering if anyone out there has ridden one with a syncros headset. It looks to be a great piece of hardwear and am psyched to kick the crap out of it once the rest of my ride is built. Peace. I'll give it a five, innocent until proven guilty.
$
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