For over 40 years, CHRIS KING has been crafting high-quality headsets built around their high-performance, in-house manufactured bearings. Now, Chris King has released their first-ever integrated headset: the DropSet™ 1.
The ground has truly shifted.
Known primarily for the press-fit headsets common on steel frames, Chris King has now developed an integrated headset designed for the modern carbon and aluminum frames that have become so prevalent.
This project was designed entirely from scratch, starting with tests that analyzed the forces at play in both integrated and press-fit headsets to identify the unique problems that needed to be addressed.
The most critical challenge to overcome was that integrated headsets are placed into the frame without being pressed in. If the bearings aren't seated securely, they can move, causing a rapid loss of preload. As preload drops, the load on the bearings increases, leading to damage and failure.
To solve this, Chris King utilized their proprietary, patented GripLock™ system, born from years of trial and error. This system ensures that the DropSet 1 maintains far better preload than other integrated headsets, protecting the bearings from the negative effects of road shock and sudden braking.
The DropSet 1 has finally arrived in stock today.
Steel model: 17,000 yen (tax excluded)
Ceramic model: 32,000 yen (tax excluded)
Patented GripLock™ design
10-year product warranty (same as all Chris King headsets)
Traditional in-house manufactured bearings
IS41 / 28.6 upper bearing 45x45
IS52 / 40 lower bearing 45x45
Compatible with Chris King original baseplate as well as 45-degree integrated crown races
Available in two models: steel bearings and ceramic bearings
Available in 9 colors (Silver, Black, Navy, Red, Mango, Turquoise, Matte Jet, Matte Slate, Matte Punch)
Another notable feature of the DropSet 1 is the choice between steel and ceramic bearings. This marks the first time Chris King has released a ceramic bearing headset.
Ceramic bearings offer superior wear resistance and rotation performance. Because their thermal expansion coefficient is lower than that of steel, they are even more durable than Chris King's traditional steel bearings, reducing maintenance frequency and extending the headset's lifespan.
Integrated headsets come in many standards depending on the frame. Chris King chose to release this version for frames with an IS41/28.6 upper and an IS52/40 lower, featuring a 45/45-degree bearing angle for both the fork column and head tube sides. With many competing standards, Chris King focused on bike manufacturers who have standardized reliable specifications across their lineups and analyzed market conditions before deciding on this specific size. The "1" in the DropSet name suggests that support for other standards will follow in numerical order.
The DropSet 1 is compatible with the following bike manufacturers:
・SANTACRUZ (*Not compatible with Stigmata forks due to their 36-degree integrated crown race)
・YETI
・ALCHEMY
・Select models from IBIS
Additionally, among brands familiar to us at Circles, it is compatible with:
・SALSA: Warbird (2013 model), BearGrease, Mukluk (may be incompatible depending on year/model), WoodSmoke
etc. Since headset specifications can vary by year or material even within the same model, please be sure to consult with us before installation!
While some colors are currently backordered, we have stock of both steel and select ceramic bearing models. Please feel free to reach out to us for advice, including fitting for your specific bike!