~ Color matches my carbon frame

~ Terrible fit
~ Not smooth steering
~ Uses cheap, caged bearings
~ Questionable longevity
~

This tapered Zero-Stack headset did not work well, out-of-the-box. First, the lower bearing did not seat precisely inside the angular contact chamfer of the bottom cup. It was like the lower cup's angular contact surface was machined too small, resulting in annoying rocking and minute, fore/aft play. This was not acceptable, for a $3500 carbon FS frame. The shop suggested using a Cane Creek sealed cartridge bearing, as I had a big ride the next day. Guess what? The Cane Creek lower bearing fit perfectly. However, the small price I had to pay was the steering is not quite as smooth and precise. Despite being fully rideable and many fine tune-ups, I was simply unable to ride hands-free, as the headset was now compromised.

You get what you (don't) pay for....

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