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Tioga Headset

MSRP $ 35.00
# of Reviews 33
Average Rating 2.79/5
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Description: Tioga Alchemy Headset


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    Submitted by Mark a Cross Country Rider from Wolfeboro, NH
    Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004
    Favorite Trail:All of 'em
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Purchased At:Came on bike
    Strengths:Has worked fine for 3 years.
    Weaknesses:Not the smoothest thing around.
    Bike Setup:GT Avalanche, 2000.
    Bottom Line:Bought my bike as a leftover in 2001, and have put over 1000 miles on it... I've had to replace a few parts, but the headset does its job without a hitch. I overhauled the bike last week, and noticed that the lower races were quite worn, as well as the bearings. Come February (rebuild), I will be looking for a new headset, but I think that this one has done pretty well for the beating it has taken. Not the best, but not as bad as some people have experienced here...
    One thing: the lower bearings seem to be over-exposed to the elements. They rust if you don't look after them.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rhodri a from South Wales, UK
    Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:Still going...
    Bottom Line:Just to say... there seem to be different Tioga Alchemy headsets - different models and different years...

    The black one that came with my '98 Kona Lavadome has lasted and lasted...

    ...I've greased it once since I've had the bike.

    It's still here, and I still don't notice it(which is a good thing! I've never had a problem). Once it's come loose after some pretty hard riding(for me anyhow).

    These are now available from cycleshopsmart at £7(british pounds. If I can make sure it's the same model on my bike, I'm going to buy another one for a new bike I'm building.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by theodore a Cross Country Rider from melb, australia
    Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:well...
    Weaknesses:looks dirty...
    and doesn't look anything like the pic...in fact it looks much older and even more useless.
    bit heavy.
    Similar Products Used:plenty. including crapper ones on more expensive bikes than the one i got it on.
    Bike Setup:mongoose D50. i currently have a giant AC and don't really feel the difference in smoothness between the tioga and the giant's integrated cane creek.
    Bottom Line:i have not greased/maintained it for 5 years, and have ridden it hard. numerous enduro rides, xc rides, even a few 2m drops

    still going fine.

    all it took were 3 taps with a mallet to get it out.

    i'm changing it over to another 2nd hand bike i just got which has a crappy unsealed diatech headset which is already feeling like crap.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by RIder a Weekend Warrior from San Gabriel Mtns, CA
    Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $15.00
    Strengths:Keeps the fork somewhat centered in the bike's head tube.
    Weaknesses:Flimsy, don't keep out dirt, apparently made from old Pepsi cans.
    Bike Setup:GT Ricochet
    Bottom Line:I gently rode with this headset (threadless Aheadset design) for about six months. I decided to replace my fork and bought another identical headset for the new races, etc. As I was removing the old headset, the lower race practically fell out of the head tube- it was cracked all the way through. This is a wonderful way to quickly damage a frame. The upper race had its microscopically thin plating worn completely off, and the bearings were running on the substrate metal. There were flakes of plating filling the grease on both the top and bottom bearing cages.

    After a single ride with the new headset, the plating was already flaking off.

    This headset appears to be made of recycled Chinese pot metal. It's not worth damaging your bike's frame to save a few dollars. There may be some low-priced headsets out there that are worth buying, but the Tioga Alchemy is not one of them. After seeing the second (brand new) headset start to disentigrate after a single ride, it isn't even deserving of a single chili.

    As a side note, the bearings on both headsets were well packed with grease and the preload was adjusted properly.
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Philip a Weekend Warrior from Gainesville, FL, USA
    Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $12.00
    Purchased At:ebay
    Strengths:Cheap, strong for my weight (135lbs)
    Weaknesses:Seems to rotate inside of the headtube, plastic top cap almost pulled itself through the stem
    Bike Setup:Fuji Thrill frame, Duke C fork, XT-DT hubs/spokes
    Bottom Line:This thing is just fine for my purposes... I spun the bearings in circles to get rid of the paint on the contacting surfaces, then greased and rode. Has worked fine with the exception of the plastic top cap - the bolt nearly pulled through the top cap. A spare top cap at the LBS was given for free, so it's all good. No problems so far, and I doubt I'll ever need to replace it without breaking something else.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by k. m. a Cross Country Rider from somerville, MA
    Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:still works....
    Weaknesses:still works....
    Similar Products Used:cane creek, FSA, Chris King
    Bike Setup:hardtail
    Bottom Line:This headset wont stop working. it never worked very well, always felt like there were a few grains of sand in it and every ride for close to five years i have expected it to break, come loose, orjust plain fail...to no avail. The other headsets i ahve used are far superior in feel but i havent riddent ehm as long as the tioga. Granted this thing is a small piece of crap taht will in no way improve your riding nor protect your bike/well being...i have yet to have it break..ive done only one bout of maintenance on it...anyways, its like those old toyota trucks...you dont like them, but they just wont die....anywyas, im going to replace this one this season...enough ugly componenets on my bike....
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Ronin a Weekend Warrior from South Bay Rules!
    Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
    Favorite Trail:RollerCoaster
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $10.00
    Purchased At:SuperGo
    Strengths:Price
    Durable
    Weaknesses:Not sealed very well
    So many damn pieces
    Bike Setup:Nishiki Hardtail, Manitou X-Vert DC
    Bottom Line:I think 3/4 of you people are talking about the threaded headset. I've got the Alchemy DL/S Aheadset and it's served me well over 5yrs without a single problem. I remember having to tighten it once to clear up some fork slop but other than the required maintanence intervals (lube), it has performed flawlessly. That's phenomenal considering I bought this for $10 from SuperGo about 5-6 yrs ago and have put it through hell and back and then hung the bike up for a year. The only gripes I have are the way it's sealed and how it falls apart when removing your fork. Both problems can be attributed to it's weird design. It's an open design that is pieced together unlike it's sealed bearing brethren which cost 20x more. This is of course due to cost efficiency (What did you expect for $10?) and has no effect on overall performance other than having to be lubed more frequently in dusty conditions. I've put alot of jumping and medium DH time on mine and it's held up to everything. It's not a DH or FreeRide item but does it claim to be? For the money you just can't beat it...literally.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jason Walker a Cross Country Rider from Halifax, N.S, Canada
    Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
    Favorite Trail:Sackville Powerlines
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $20.00
    Purchased At:the bike people
    Strengths:Looks Pretty Beefy
    Weaknesses:EVERYTHING!!!!!
    Similar Products Used:Dia-Compe Aheadset
    Bike Setup:KHS Alite 4000
    Bottom Line:Someone please help us cursed people who have these headsets. I've been riding this on and off for a year, and was creaking and loose from day one.!! There is no way this product can really be this bad. I'm a mechanic and I've had this apart too many times changing everything race, bearings, bearing sizes, you name it. For those of you who may think that it's too old, don't worry, it did this from the day I installed it. If anyone uot there can figure out what we're all doing wrong please submit a review. It's so bad that I hate my KHS just for having it on the bike
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Richard Cunnew a Cross Country Rider from England
    Date Reviewed: April 15, 2001
    Favorite Trail:anyting
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $10.00
    Purchased At:with bike
    Strengths:STAYS TIGHT
    Weaknesses:CREAKS A LITTLE
    Bike Setup:CLAUD BUTLER CAPE WRATH
    XT
    Bottom Line:I KNOW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SLAGGING OFF THIS HEADSET
    BUT MINE HAS WORKED PERFECT AND I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH IT WHATSOEVER.
    IT CREEKS FROM TIME TO TIME BUT THATS ABOUT IT.
    I KNOW PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT, I AM PROBABLY ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES WITH ONE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS.
    FOR ME ITS AN OVERALL GOOD HEADSET THAT WORKS WELL IN ALL CONDITIONS.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Andrew Kirkpatrick a Weekend Warrior from Northampton
    Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000
    Favorite Trail:Harleston Firs
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Purchased At:On Bike
    Strengths:Has Bearings that sort-of move
    Weaknesses:Made of plastic (don't know what the pic above is about but mine is 100% plastic), odd shape, utterly crap sealing (one ride in mud and the bearings are f**ked), cheap, weak...
    Similar Products Used:YST Cartridge
    Bike Setup:Kona Scab, Z3 Long Travel, LX
    Bottom Line:This is approx £15, and thus shouldn't be utter crap. I have used a £2 headset and even that is made of metal! Never buy this in your life!!
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by J.R. Johnson a Cross Country Rider from State College, Pa, USA
    Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Purchased At:Stock on my bike
    Strengths:Hey, Its a headset.
    Weaknesses:Every stinkin thing
    Bottom Line:This is a piece of trash. It creaks real bad, the ball bearings fell out on mine and it finally broke from my riding and I'm only 115 lbs. JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK JUNK dont waste you money on this junk that doesn't.
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Lupe' a Weekend Warrior from NYC
    Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000
    Favorite Trail:Van Cortland Park
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:Last with little maintenance.
    Bike Setup:Schwinn w/ LX/XT XC setup
    Bottom Line:This headset came OEM on my bike three years ago. I just upgraded to a Cane Creek S5. While removing it I just realized I have never had a problem with this headset! I ride hard over rocky terrain with lots of jumps and drops and when I'm not off road I'm jumping off loading docks like a BMXer and this has never failed me. I only hope that my new headset performs as well considering it cost 8 times as much.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Michael a Cross Country Rider from Newark, DE
    Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
    Favorite Trail:Middle Run
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Strengths:It has kept my bike together
    Weaknesses:leaks
    Bike Setup:'98 Yeti AS3 dualie with XT drivetrain and judy XC fork
    Bottom Line:I've only put about 40 miles on my bike and the headset is already screwed up. The plastic cover cracked and I have grease mixed with metal oozing out of it. Part of the problem was probably the installation
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Dale Smith a Cross Country Rider from Canadice, NY
    Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
    Favorite Trail:Harriet Hollister Spencer Park
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Strengths:Easy to maintain, comes aoart relatively easy, strong
    Weaknesses:Looks cheap, wont stay tight all the time, doesn't seal out s$%t
    Similar Products Used:dia comp
    richty
    Bike Setup:Mongoose a50r
    Bottom Line:This is a cheap affordable strong all around headset, works well most of the time. If you take care of it,it will give yuo many years of economical service, JUST TREAT IT WELL.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by tommy a Weekend Warrior from woodside, nyc
    Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Strengths:cost only $10
    Weaknesses:getting ridiculed from my friends for buying it
    Similar Products Used:Aheadset
    Bottom Line:So far i havent had any problems with the headset. The only bad thing that came out of it were my friends and the owner of my LBS who made fun of me for buying a $10 headset for a $2000 bike
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jack a Downhiller from Aviano AB, Italy
    Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Piancavillo Italian Trail
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Weaknesses:
    I am pleased so far with this headset.
    Bike Setup:
    Mongoose MGX D50I
    Bottom Line:I am pleased.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by kleinstien a Weekend Warrior from jacksonville
    Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Tsali
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:
    none
    Weaknesses:
    uh, lets see, where do I begin....
    Similar Products Used:
    dia compe OEM
    Bike Setup:
    Klein Pulse, Z3
    Bottom Line:Since I have purchased this head set, I have been plagued with constant creaking noises. The top cap does not work, much less seal anything at all. I have to re pack it everytime I lay the bike down. (Damn I hate being poor!) I wish there was a no chillie category just for this piece of crap!
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Eric a Cross-Country Rider from Quebec
    Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Strengths:
    None that I can think of.
    Weaknesses:
    Worked fine for 3 or 4 rides. Needs tightening all the time, sometime twice in the same ride. Now I can't tighten it anymore and I have to replace it.
    Similar Products Used:
    None
    Bike Setup:
    Kona Nunu with Bomber Z5.
    Bottom Line:Not a good product. Spend your money on something better.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by coop1 a Downhiller from nc
    Date Reviewed: October 9, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    GOOD singletrack with jumps and dropoffs.
    Duration Product Used:
    3 months
    Strengths:
    it's some how high enough for the standards of the tioga inspectors.
    Weaknesses:
    it stinx. it is stripped, it can't hold a fork tight, it comes loose when you look at it. it stinx!!!!
    Similar Products Used:
    fsa 3d (which is awesome), fsa orbit DL, aheadset, ritchey(which stinx too) many others.
    Bike Setup:
    i have a gt lts 2. it is soon to be upgraded to a Santa Cruz chameleon frame, and a Marzocchi Z2 bam. it will also have an fsa afterburner crank. FSA KICKS!!!! this bike will be the ultimate jumping/ dual slalom bike.
    Bottom Line:this thing is awful!!!!!!! i got it too be a fill in untill i could get my FSA extreme or fsa 3d. it stripped automatically, it jiggles and shakes. i'm some times afraid it's just going to drop the fork while i'm riding. 0 flamin' red hot chilli peppers for this junk thing.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Ryan a Downhiller from Lyons,CO
    Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Hmmm...
    Weaknesses:
    This would take a 200 page paper to write.
    Similar Products Used:
    Nothing this cheap
    Bike Setup:
    Custom GT LTS-3
    Full Suspension
    Manitou X-Vert R DH Forks
    Bottom Line:Well this sucks. First off it never kept my fork tight. Then the material started breaking down and the whole thing screwed up and fell apart.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Kman a Cross-Country Rider from TX
    Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    Cedar Hill SP
    Duration Product Used:
    2 Years
    Strengths:
    Cheap
    Weaknesses:
    Cheap
    Similar Products Used:
    Diacomp
    Bike Setup:
    GT Zaskar, Judy XC
    Bottom Line:It came stock on my wife's GT Backwoods. The only reason why I have not replaced it is because she does not ride very much. The problem is that the thing never stays adjusted right. It comes loose constantly. Some people may have success with theirs, but the one on my wife's bike is not any good at all. I would not suggest getting one. Spend a few bucks more and get something else. I have over 4000 miles on my Diacomp and it has never given me any trouble.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by GAvin a Weekend Warrior from Gilbertsville, NY
    Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    any single track that kicks
    Duration Product Used:
    less than 1 month
    Strengths:
    the bottom.
    Weaknesses:
    EVERY THING ELSE
    Similar Products Used:
    FSA ORBIT DL
    Bike Setup:
    Hellbent riserbar and kore 3d
    Bottom Line:THIS THING IS A PIECE OF CRAP. IT WORKED FOR TWO WEEKS WELL THEN I TOOK IT OUT FOR A HARD RIDE. AFTERABOUT TWO HOURS I HEAR THIS CREAK CREAK CREAK, SO RACE BACK TO CHECK IT OUT TO MAKE SURE IT IS OK (I HAVE A 4 DAY WEEKEND TO RIDE) GUESS WHAT THE TOP CAGE BENT AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST MY FORK STEM AND GOUGED IT. TOTALY RUINED I HOPE TO SPRING FOR A CHEAP CHEAP NEW ONE BUT MY LBS (NOT MUCH OF ONE) HAS NOTHING IN STOCK SO I'M STUCK WITH A FOUR DAY WEEKEND WITH NO HEADSET. THE HEADSET WAS VERY VERY VERY WELL LUBED. PIECE OF CRAP DON'T BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Black Angus a weekend warrior from Anaheim, CA
    Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I just removed my Tioga Alchemy headset from my bike after using it for about three years. The only complaint is that the lower race is not sealed very well and get dirt inside even in dry (Southern California summer weather) conditions. I usually had to repack it every 4 to 6 months to keep things happy. A good deal for the money. I replaced it with a WTB momentum because the WTB can be greased from the outside. As far as headsets go, the Alchemy performed well and was only starting to show signs of lower race wear after three years. One of the better headsets I've come across.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Dan a weekend warrior from Minneapolis, MN
    Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    No too good. Worked OK at first, but something didn't seem right. Would work itself loose, and now the bottom cup is broke after only three months on a new bike. Didn't feel like replacing with the same - LBS guy said he wouldn't either. I didn't feel like spending $100+ on a new one, so the LBS guy recommended WTB Momemtum - hope it works better than this one.
    Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Sam a racer from MAINE
    Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    F*&^%ing piece of crap. All's good and well for the first few weeks, but then it starts to need tightening all the time. Didn't notice it was loose on a ride until too late. It self destructed and chewed up many of the rings. But curiously the bearings were fine. It had metal bits in the greese and the whole nine yards. Fork over an extra $20 and get something that stays tight plus looks sharper like a Ritchey Fuzzy Logic.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Nack a cross-country rider from Glendale, CA 91205
    Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I bought mine from Supergo. (Tioga Alchemy) Cost me only $10, well, I guess because I bought my fork from them too. One of the salepeople told me that it was going to be hell to take out the old one and put this on, but it only took me 10 minutes. As far as riding goes, turns comfotably, doesn't have play and I like it. I don't give a rat about the weight, although it is aluminum, because couple of grams for 1 172 pound person is not going to make much difference.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Lancer a weekend warrior from Northridge, CA
    Date Reviewed: March 7, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I just purchased the Tioga Alchemy at Supergo for $15.00 at Supergo, an OEM closeout. The reason I purchased it was in a recent biking magazine it was rated as one of the top 10 products and went on to say, it was the only needle bearing headset that works. Based on that I bought it, having a Cannondale built up. The WTB Momentum I ordered specially for this build up will be in next week. For now, I'll use the WTB as a spare.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Marty a racer from Canada
    Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    As soon as I get some money, I am selling this headset. It's rough, heavy and doesn't look anything like the one in the picture above. It is still a tioga alchemy but doesn't perform as well as how everyone says it does. If your interested in buying it from me, say $15, e-mail me. Also a threaded xt headsdet for sale, $30.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Trek-Rider a racer from Maine
    Date Reviewed: August 30, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I have a threaded, Alchemy headset on my bike. It came stock on the bike and
    for the last 4 years I have rode the hell out of it, DH, XC, everything! I haven't touched the bearings, I tightened it about once every two years,
    rode it with two different forks and not one bit of trouble. I never rode a king
    but I can say this thing kicks..My only complaint is the iron locknut rusts
    like hell but just sand it and repaint with touch up, and it looks great too.
    Durability: 6+ chilis
    Looks: 5
    Overall: ^\6 but this is limited to five, SO 5 red-hots for this set.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Brad Mitchell a cross-country rider from Salem, MO
    Date Reviewed: January 9, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    This headset is a very good deal, but it's a bitch if you want to take off your headset or fork. It works good as long as you keep it clean.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Andrew Gibbs a cross-country rider from Murfreesboro, TN
    Date Reviewed: January 9, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    This thing is crap.....you have to have a $60 tool to dissassemble it or to get your fork loose!! Plus it creaks and binds!!
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Carter a racer from Huntsville
    Date Reviewed: November 14, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Tioga Alchemy is a perfect headset for any rider. I have ridden with it
    since I started riding and now that I've started racing it suits me just
    fine. I keep good care of it and it works just as good as new.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Don Seib a racer from Melrose, MA
    Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996
    Bottom Line:




    At $28 you can't go wrong with this headset. Yeah it doesn't have
    the glamour
    name and its not made of TI but you can buy a new one every year for 4
    years and
    not spend what is costs for a King or Dia Compe S series. A headset has a very
    simple purpose and I've used an Alchemy for a year with no problems. If you
    can perform your own routine maintenance on bearings this headset will last
    for ever. I clean mine every few months because of the type of riding I do
    and it shows no wear what so ever. Because it doesn't have sealed bearings
    maintenance is very easy.
    Overall Rating:5






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