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Pro Scooter Headset Buyer's Guide
This guide will help you select stunt scooter headsets. When selecting a new headset for your stunt scooter, it's difficult to go wrong. Just keep in mind that headset bearings facilitate smooth spins of your fork and bars during bar spins or aerial manoeuvres with your deck.
Gaining a foundational understanding of the function of a scooter headset and its installation is beneficial when on the quest for the optimal scooter headset. Planning to upgrade your scooter? Let’s delve into the key factors that will guide you in choosing the ideal headset for your configuration.
Overview
Understanding a Stunt Scooter Headset
The headset's function is to permit the fork to rotate effortlessly within the head tube of the deck. A stunt scooter headset usually contains the following components:
- Crown Race: Generally included in scooter headsets; however, most forks today integrate a crown race, making the separate piece redundant. This component supports the headset bearing on the scooter fork.
- Headset Bearings: Bearings are pivotal in the headset, with one positioned at the top and the other at the bottom. They are mostly sealed to guarantee durability and seamless operation. If you encounter a headset with open bearings, it's best to select a different headset equipped with sealed bearings, as these endure longer.
- C-Ring: C-rings act to stabilise the fork within the headset by occupying space around the fork tube. They are vital, with compression pressing down on the C-ring. For riders using IHC compression, a mini C-ring will be necessary.
- Dust Cover / Headset Cap: Its primary purpose is to shield the bearings from dirt and debris to maintain smooth rotation.
Distinguishing Integrated Headsets: Integrated vs Non-Integrated Headsets
While many scooter headsets are labelled "integrated," this term isn't significant in scootering, given that most decks now feature integrated bearing cups. At times, decks are identified as integrated decks, indicating the headtube possesses integrated bearing cups.
Non-integrated headsets feature two headset cages or bearing cups, which must be fitted into the headtube before bearing installation. Non-integrated headsets often appear in entry-level trick scooters, whereas high-performing complete stunt scooters typically utilise integrated headsets.
Installing a Scooter Headset
The process of installing a headset on a stunt scooter is rather straightforward. The following video provides a step-by-step guide for integrating a headset.
Start by greasing the bearing cups, position the headset bearings at the top and bottom, and then insert the fork through the headset. Follow this by installing the C-ring and the dust cover.
Ensure your bearings are correctly oriented – they have a "tapered" shape that aligns precisely within the deck's bearing cup.
Don't forget to apply grease – this eases headset replacement and helps avert wear on the bearing cup.
Stunt Scooter Headset Compatibility
Finding a compatible headset for your custom stunt scooter doesn't involve many confusing variables. High-quality aftermarket headsets and scooter decks all integrate with standard sizes.
The only exception is IHC. IHC forks possess narrower fork tubes necessitating a mini C-ring. Chances are, a mini C-ring came with your fork, compression kit, or is already a part of your complete scooter assembly. If needed, one can be sourced here:
Maintenance of Scooter Headsets
A few steps can be undertaken to keep your headset in peak condition, ensuring consistent performance and extended lifespan. A correctly installed headset's efficiency hinges on freely spinning ball bearings. If friction arises or dirt is suspected within the headset, addressing it promptly is advisable as it could worsen.
Disassemble the headset:
- Detach the bar and compression components.
- Gently remove the fork, being wary not to damage the headset bearings.
Examine the bearings:
- If damaged bearings are visible, it's prudent to replace the headset.
- If the bearings are soiled or greasy, proceed to clean them.
Cleaning the headset bearings:
- Submerge them in a cleaning solution, then swirl them after letting the solution work for a period.
- Allow the bearings to air dry.
Lubricating the bearings:
- After drying, apply a modest amount of bearing lubricant.
- Rotate the bearings to ensure the even spread of grease.
- Wipe the deck's bearing cups with a clean cloth and apply fresh grease.
And there you have it – your headset is ready to be reinstalled!
For a comprehensive guide on cleaning bearings, consider our detailed guide:
Additional Reading
If you’re unsure about terms like SCS, IHC, or HIC, we advise reading our scooter compression guide:
Explore these guides for essential scooter compression insights:
