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I'm terrible at understanding headset standards, could someone please let me know which headset I need for my bike?
Specifically I'm after one of the headsets that can extend your frame reach, as I understand there are two on the market. The frame is a giant Reign Advanced 2018. Will it be possible to fit one of these to my Reign? If so which size do I need?
Thank you
The Reign has a stupid low stack height. I'd recommend getting a higher rise bar, and reducing the amount of headset spacers you're running. That'll increase the reach a bit, and it probably easier than messing with headsets.
I’d recommend getting a higher rise bar, and reducing the amount of headset spacers you’re running. That’ll increase the reach a bit
It won't move the steering axis. If the ends of the bars (i.e. your hands) are in the same position, it doesn't make any difference whether they get there through headset spacers and flat bars, or riser bars and no headset spacers. It might make the bike look better or worse, but it won't make any difference at all to the handling because your hands will be in the same position and rotating around the same axis. Moving the bars up, down, forward, or backwards isn't the same as changing the reach.
From the frame images, I think the stock headset is a ZS44-ZS56. The only reach adjusting headset that will work with a tapered fork is EC44-EC56, available from Works-components or Superstar.
This will also increase your stack height, so if you don't have any spacers below the stem you might need a negative rise stem to keep your current bar height.
Most of the reach adjust headsets are used on DH bikes with straight steerers.
Thanks otsdr, that clears it up. You're right about the increased stack height, but as someone has pointed out the reign has a stupidly low stack height, so that doesn't worry me at all to increase it a bit.
Thanks all for your help
Actually one more question. Do these headsets alter any other measurements other than reach and stack height? Wb also I guess.
What I wouldn't want to alter is things like head angle
The headset angle will also change (a bit slacker) on account of the lower cup being taller; the wheelbase will also be affected by this, as a result of both the 5mm in the cup as well as the HTA change.
Is 5mm on the reach even noticeable?
Is 5mm on the reach even noticeable?
Haven't tried one, doubt it's noticeable if you ride the bike, but I'm sure it'll get noticed more than a 5 mm difference in crank length when you're hanging out in a trail center carpark.
"It won’t move the steering axis. If the ends of the bars (i.e. your hands) are in the same position, it doesn’t make any difference whether they get there through headset spacers and flat bars, or riser bars and no headset"
it wont move the steering axis or increase the reach measurement, but it will place the bars further ahead of the saddle without putting them any further over the front wheel.
it wont move the steering axis or increase the reach measurement, but it will place the bars further ahead of the saddle without putting them any further over the front wheel.
If the saddle is in the same position relative to the front wheel (which it has to be because you haven't magically stretched the top tube), then you can't move the bars relative to the saddle without moving them relative to the front wheel.