FAQ for Chris King

Chris King

INDEX

Headsets

What is the difference between 2Nut and GripNut headsets?

2Nut is Chris King's conventional threaded headset, while GripNut uses Chris King's proprietary threaded mechanism. See this technical article for details.

Can I still get a 1-1/4-inch threadless headset?

No. The 1-1/4-inch threadless headset has been discontinued. Individual small parts may still be available.

What is the plastic washer supplied with the headset?

It is the Scuff Washer. Chris King headsets are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. If a lower-precision stem is installed, creaking or other noise can occur. Installing the Scuff Washer between the bearing cap and the stem or headset spacer can help reduce these issues.

Can I order a headset with different colors for the upper and lower parts?

Yes. Chris King headsets can be custom ordered, including different colors for the bearing cups, bearing cap, and stem cap.

Can I convert between threaded and threadless configurations?

Yes. Because the bearing cups are shared within each size, replacing the upper parts allows conversion between GripNut and NoThreadSet configurations.

Does Chris King make a JIS-standard headset?

No. Chris King 1-inch headsets use the ITA/ISO standard.

Bottom Brackets

Can the bearings be replaced or upgraded to ceramic bearings?

Yes. Bearing replacement is handled through Chris King's technical service. Please contact us for details.

What grease should I use for bottom-bracket bearings?

We recommend Chris King Blue Grease. Depending on riding style and conditions, a basic inspection, cleaning, and regreasing once a year is recommended.

Can an older BB ROAD used with a Shimano crank be adapted for a 24-to-22 mm road crank such as SRAM/GXP?

Yes. The spindle sleeve included with BB Fit Kit #4 cannot be used because its thickness differs, but the other supplied parts can be used together with the original spindle sleeve to fit the older bottom bracket to a 24-to-22 mm road crank.

Hubs

Are Chris King hubs available for Campagnolo drivetrains?

R45 and R45 Disc Campagnolo-compatible models were previously available, but they have been discontinued and are no longer sold.

Can an R45 Disc QR model be converted to a 12 mm thru-axle?

Yes. Front and rear hubs can be converted by replacing the axle. Compatible axles vary by production generation; see this guide. Please note that QR axles for R45D hubs have been discontinued.

Can I buy only a hub shell to change the hole count?

Hub shells are available separately. Reassembly requires a hub service kit. We can also perform the work through the Chris King Hub Overhaul Service.

What is a hub service kit, and do I need one?

The Hub Service Kit is the dedicated tool for complete hub disassembly and reassembly. Basic disassembly can be done with hex keys alone.

Can I build a wheel radially?

R45 hubs can be used for radial lacing. Classic and ISO hubs are not compatible with radial lacing.

Can I use titanium quick-release skewers?

For best hub performance, steel quick-release skewers are recommended. Titanium skewers may not provide sufficient stiffness.

What is the difference between Classic low-flange and high-flange hubs?

High-flange hubs can produce a wheel with greater lateral stiffness and were originally developed with cyclocross use in mind. As modern rims, including carbon rims, have become stiffer, low-flange hubs became more common to reduce weight. Classic hubs were discontinued in 2018; please contact us regarding remaining availability.

Do I need to use a Chris King lockring with a Shimano cassette?

No. Current products have been revised so that the original lockrings supplied by cassette manufacturers can be used.

Is the Chris King ISO rear hub compatible with 11-speed drivetrains?

ISO rear hubs with an aluminum or stainless standard driveshell are compatible with 11-speed Shimano mountain drivetrains. With an XD driver they are compatible with SRAM XX1, X01, X1, and GX 11-speed systems. They are not compatible with 11-speed Shimano/SRAM road-type cassettes.

How many speeds does the R45 Shimano/SRAM road driveshell support?

Current R45 and R45D Shimano/SRAM road driveshells are 12-speed driveshells. Spacers for compatible 10-, 9-, and 8-speed cassettes are included.

Can I use a non-Shimano center-lock rotor lockring?

As a rule, use a genuine Shimano lockring. Problems caused by third-party lockrings are not covered by warranty.

Can I buy hubs in discontinued limited colors?

Please contact us regarding availability.

Wheelsets

How long does a wheelset order take?

Delivery can be as quick as approximately two weeks from the time of order. Even when manufacturer stock is unavailable, delivery has generally been completed in about four weeks.

Can I order a single-speed wheelset?

At present, we do not offer wheelsets built with single-speed hubs.

Can I choose spoke colors?

Spokes are available in black only. Wheelsets are built with Sapim CX-Ray or Sapim Race spokes. Nipple options can be selected.

Are wheelsets covered by a warranty?

Yes. If a wheel is damaged, please contact Circles or a CWD dealer for warranty support.

Is a cassette lockring included with Chris King wheels?

No. A lockring is not included and must be purchased separately.

Are quick-release skewers included?

No. Quick-release skewers are not included.

General Product Questions

Is there a product warranty?

Headsets, bottom brackets, and hubs are covered by the lifetime warranty specified by Chris King. If you find a possible product defect, please contact us.

Are ceramic bearings worth it?

Ceramic bearings are harder, highly corrosion resistant, and offer excellent wear resistance compared with stainless bearings. Their low thermal conductivity also limits thermal expansion at high rotational speeds. The trade-off is significantly higher material cost, so we recommend considering ceramic bearings as an upgrade rather than a necessity.

Whether stainless or ceramic, one of the major advantages of Chris King bearings is that they are designed to be accessed and serviced by the user rather than treated as disposable sealed units.

For any questions about Chris King products, please contact us.

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