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 | EC44/40 standard for frames with a straight 44 mm head tube and forks with 1 1/8"–1 1/2" tapered steerer tubes. It 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 what is known as a mixed headset: the upper section is Zero Stack and sits recessed in the frame’s head tube, while the lower section 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 manufactures its own bearings in Portland, Oregon, and they are designed to be serviced rather than discarded when they begin to run roughly. The GripLock system separates headset adjustment from the attachment around the steerer tube and helps the headset maintain the correct preload even when the bike is ridden hard over rough terrain. This is a major reason why a Chris King headset often lasts through several bike builds instead of being considered a wear part.

The important thing before purchase is to check the complete S.H.I.S. standard, not just the diameter of the head tube. 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.

InSet 7 is the right choice when the frame is designed for ZS44/EC44 and you want a serviceable quality headset rather than the cheapest solution. 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: That both the frame and fork correspond to ZS44/28.6 | EC44/40
• Warranty: Chris King Lifetime Warranty
• Made in: Portland, Oregon, USA