Headsets don't get much attention until they develop play or start grinding, and that's precisely why the component choice matters up front. The Ritchey WCS Logic threadless headset uses a sealed cartridge bearing design that keeps contamination out of the load-bearing surfaces where grit causes the most damage. This is Ritchey's competition-grade component line applied to a part that handles every steering input and road shock transmitted through the fork.

The 1-1/8" standard fits the vast majority of modern road and gravel frames using threadless steerer tubes. Installation uses a standard external cup press—the cups seat into the head tube while the cartridge bearings drop in from top and bottom. The sealed design means you're not packing grease into loose ball bearings or adjusting cone tension; the cartridge units maintain their preload until the bearings actually wear out, which takes considerably longer than exposed bearing systems in wet or dusty conditions.

Ritchey machines the cups from aluminum with a black anodized finish that matches most frame builds without drawing attention to itself. The headset includes a compression ring and top cap for preload adjustment during installation. Stack height runs 28.6mm total, which factors into your stem height calculations if you're dialing in a specific handlebar position.... Read More