Many contemporary bicycle frame designs call for the headset bearings to ride inside the frames headtube. After decades of making press-in bearing headsets, Chris King needed to make headsets that worked in these newer frames.

From the beginning they understood that integrated headsets posed a unique challenge in that the bearings are not pressed into a cup and sit loosely in the frame. When bearings are not pressed securely into a cup they shift and move, rapidly losing preload. As preload drops, the bearings are more susceptible to creaking, damage, and failure. Thats a problem Chris King knows how to solve.

Enter, their patented GripLock bearing cap. The GripLock preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, no more creaking, and a longer lasting headset.

Chris King’s GripLock design also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. These headsets can be preloaded to a torque spec.

Compatible with many Specialized mountain bike frames, see headtube specifications here.

Not compatible with the2021+Stumpjumper EVO.