Chris King InSet i7 Grip Lock Mixed Headset, Black - ZS44/28,6 EC44/40

Chris King InSet 7 is a tapered headset in the ZS44/28.6 standard | EC44/40 for frames with a straight 44 mm head tube and forks with 1 1/8"–1 1/2" tapered steerer tubes. This is a common combination on modern steel frames for gravel, touring, and mountain biking, and is used on several frames from Brother Cycles, including the Big Bro, Mehteh, and Stroma.

InSet 7 is a so-called mixed headset: the upper part is Zero Stack and sits recessed in the frame's head tube, while the lower part uses an external bearing cup. The combination of ZS44 at the top and EC44 at the bottom makes it possible to use a tapered fork with a 40 mm crown race seat in a straight 44 mm head tube.

Chris King makes its own bearings in Portland, Oregon, and they are designed to be serviced rather than thrown away when they start to run rough. The GripLock system separates headset adjustment from the fit around the steerer tube and helps the headset maintain the correct preload even when the bike is ridden hard over rough terrain. That is a big part of why a Chris King headset often stays with a bike through several builds instead of being considered a wear part.

The important thing to check before purchase is the entire S.H.I.S standard, not just the head tube diameter. This version is ZS44/28.6 | EC44/40 and is intended for a tapered 1 1/8"–1 1/2" fork with a 40 mm crown race seat. If the frame has, for example, ZS44/ZS56 or another combination of head tube and fork, you need a different headset.

The InSet 7 is the right choice when your frame is built for ZS44/EC44 and you want a serviceable quality headset rather than the cheapest option. You pay more upfront, but get Chris King's own bearings, the GripLock system, a lifetime warranty, and a headset built to be maintained and used for a very long time.

Quick Specs

• Model: Chris King InSet 7 GripLock
• Type: Tapered mixed headset
• S.H.I.S. upper: ZS44/28.6
• S.H.I.S. lower: EC44/40
• Head tube: Straight 44 mm
• Fork: 1 1/8"–1 1/2" tapered
• Crown race seat: 40 mm
• Upper construction: Zero Stack
• Lower construction: External Cup
• Total stack height: 22.2 mm
• System: Chris King GripLock
• Bearings: Chris King, serviceable
• Color: Black
• Included: GripLock bearing cap and Chris King star nut
• Fits, among others: Brother Cycles Big Bro, Mehteh, and Stroma with ZS44/28.6 | EC44/40
• Check before purchase: Both the frame and fork must match ZS44/28.6 | EC44/40
• Warranty: Chris King Lifetime Warranty
• Made in: Portland, Oregon, USA