Headsets

BMX headset: your head tube standard comes first

The headset is the least visible part of the cockpit and the one that forgives a standard error least. It lets the fork rotate inside the frame's head tube with no notchiness and no play. A pitted bearing announces itself straight away: the front wheel catches as it comes back to centre. Before ordering, identify your frame's head tube type and your steerer diameter.

Integrated, semi-integrated: the fitting families

An integrated headset drops the bearings straight into the frame's head tube, machined at 45°: no cups to press, minimum stack height, and it is the most common fitting on current BMX race frames. The semi-integrated type, with cups pressed into a 44 mm head tube, sits the bearing inside a cup you press home. External cup builds are now only found on older frames and leisure bikes.

Diameters and bearings: 41.8 mm, 51.8 mm

On an integrated 1"1/8 build, the bearing measures 41.8 mm outside diameter with a 45° seat. A tapered frame takes that same bearing up top and a 51.8 mm bearing at the bottom, for a steerer that widens to 1.5". The bearings are sealed cartridges: replace them as a unit rather than repacking them. Note the diameter engraved on the old bearing, it is the most reliable reference you have.

What a complete kit contains

• The two cartridge bearings, or the fitted cups on a semi-integrated build
• The lower crown race that seats on the base of the steerer
• The upper compression ring and the dust seal
• The top cap and the preload bolt

Some kits also include a starting spacer. Headset spacers and covers are then added to suit the steerer height you want.

Star nut or expander: match it to the steerer

On an aluminium or steel steerer, preload is taken on a star nut driven into the tube. On a carbon BMX fork, the star nut is out of the question: you need an expander plug, or bung, that spreads against the inner wall, or you risk damaging the steerer. Check this point before ordering, because it is the single most common build error on carbon forks.

Checking frame and fork compatibility

Three pieces of data are enough: head tube type (integrated or 44 mm semi-integrated), steerer diameter (straight 1"1/8 or tapered) and the stack height available. A tapered headset will not fit a straight head tube, and the reverse holds just as firmly. The stem then clamps onto the 28.6 mm of steerer, whichever headset family you choose.

Adjustment, play and maintenance

Adjust in order: tighten the preload bolt gently until play disappears, then clamp the stem. The preload bolt does not hold the handlebar, it only takes up play. To check, hold the bike by the head tube and rock it back and forth; you should feel no knocking. Cleaning and regreasing the seats once or twice a season is enough for track use.

The brands available

Box Components offers reliable headsets at good value for training. Tangent puts care into machining and finish. Pride and Inspyre aim at light competition builds. Promax covers routine replacement and original equipment. Multi-brand, we match the headset to the frame you actually own.

The BMX RACING advice

Give us the make and model of your frame along with your fork's steerer type: we confirm the standard before shipping rather than leaving you to guess. Dispatched within 24 to 72 hours, you can spread the cost over 2 or 3 payments.