Chris King Headset IS DropSet 5 42/52 45°

WHY WE DID THAT

Many modern frame designs require the headset bearings to be located inside the head tube. After decades of using pressed-in bearing cups, we had to develop headsets that would fit these new frames.

It became clear early on that integrated bearings present a particular challenge because the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit "loosely" in the frame. Without a tight fit, bearings shift and quickly lose their preload. If the preload decreases, bearings become more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure—a problem we wanted to solve.

WHY YOU WANT HER

This is where our patented GripLock™ cap system comes into play. GripLock™ provides preload independent of the clamp on the head tube, maintains preload significantly better than conventional systems, and is insensitive to load peaks from hard impacts or heavy braking. The result: smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer-lasting headset.

GripLock™ also eliminates the guesswork involved in preloading, as the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Therefore, our headsets can be preset to a defined torque.

• Manufactured, manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA
• King Lifetime Warranty Legendary, in-house manufactured bearings
• Patented GripLock® retention design for reliable headset bearing adjustment (US Patent 8,662,517)
• Upper bearing: 42 mm, 45×45 (for 6.85–7.05 mm ream depth)
• Lower bearing: 52 mm, 45×45
• Compatible with our supplied base plate and 45° integrated fork race bearings