I'm in the market for a good standard 1 1/8 headset that won't break the bank...what would you recommend?

whats the budget? say $40-ish?
how about that pig dh pro, i think fsa makes it
i'm not a big king supporter myself, but at the same time, you'll get what you pay for

FSA & Cane Creek both have some nice ones in the $40 range.

FSA Pig HD Pro is the one best and hell strong!! that won't break or wear out yet for a long time! I am still use this for now is 11 years! no need replacement or maintance but need to put some grease on sealed both on top and bottom cups when change new fork or frame.

Love the FSA Pig DH Pro. I have the silver/chrome one--it's now in it's 2nd frame.

FSA Pig...

FSA fer sure! R

x2

I have one for sale as well. Only used for 3 races.

fsa makes a better hs than the pig. dont know which one is the white one but that one is nice!

It's the Orbit MX and it's even pricier then the PIG.

I've got pigs in all three of my racers and also my street bike. I get them off Ebay for about 20.00. I prefer the unsealed.

I have used the Cane Creek S1 with zero issues.

I like the cane creek s-1. They are light weight, good bearings, and can be found for around $40. I'm not sure, but I think it is way lighter than the pig. If it's gonna take a beating, go for the pig.

You can't go wring with the Pig DH Pro or the Cane Creek S1. I had a pig on my Clayborn and it was great, super smooth and the larger lower cup gives some sense of security as well. I installed a cane creek S1 on my brother's bike and it was the same, super smooth and has been working out great.

I just installed the FSA Orbit in the Boys new ride, It is unreal smooth. I think its going to be a great addition to this bike. I couldnt justify the $$$ for a chris King

Check out pricepoint.com They have a whole slew of choices. I didn't focus in on any one headset because they have a lot that fits your description/requirements. You just have to peruse the entire page and Identify your many candidates.

Cane Creek, no doubt. My team ran them all last year without any issues. We ran the 100 series, and the S-2, best headsets I have ever owned.

Cane Creek S2 all the way. The pig is over kill IMO and way heavy. HERE is a great price on them.

Redman/Avent/Bombshell have revived the Technique brand and have some nice sealed bearing headsets at a good price. You have a choice of black, polished, blue, red and gold. e-mail: info@bombshellparts.com

Pig DH Pro - 6.2oz
Cane Creek S1 - 6.2oz


Where is this overkill and heavy on the Pig vs. Cane Creek coming from?

This may be the best price I've seen on the FSA Pig DH Pro: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14141-205...Pro-Headset.htm

You want sealed, you want the FSA Pig DH Pro.

(funny how we all try to sell each other on our favorites)

These companies are lucky to have salesmen like us. We should get royalty checks!!!

My comments were on the S2 not the S1. The S2 is 4oz. I have run them on DH Mt. bikes, BMX and Cross country bike with zero issues. Not trying to argue, run what you like, just clearing up the facts.

I am a fan of both the FSA sealed pig and the cane creek s2 headset, both are good, but I have had a few issues with the top cup of the sealed pig headset before.

BTW - I got a black s2 headset that spent its whole life in my barely rode kappa pitbike you can have for $25 to your door if you're interested.

For the FSA Pig fans: Do you notice the extra weight at all?
(Usually I don't worry too much about weight but I just went to a lighter bike and all...)

The "set it and forget aspect" is kind of winning me over though...

FSA Pig DH Pro = 175g (6.2 oz)
Chris King = 98g (3.5 oz)

that's about 2.7 oz. I don't know if I'd notice 2.7 oz difference. But then I'm not a weight freak (my bike is about 23-24 lbs.).

Just get a Pig DH Pro and be done with it...

You're not gonna notice 2 ounces, if you do then drill a hole in your brake lever and call it a day. Honestly, 2 oz is not that much of a difference unless you're building a weight weenie micro mini.

Good points.

Thanks for giving my head a shake on the weight issue.

I'm going to get a FSA and call it a day.
(That should be their tagline!)

If you're looking for a Pig DH Pro I have one that I'm selling. 25 shipped and it's your's. It was only used for 3 races. My new frame uses an integrated headset so this headset is useless to me right now.

The new Techniques are top notch. Superb bearings and flashy colors. Currently converting from Chris King's.