What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I always come back to Cane Creek's 40-Series for builds. It’s the perfect mix of price and reliability—especially for steel and alloy frames running external cups. The sealed bearings feel smooth, and it just lasts. Easy to install and works every time."A headset should be the last thing we think about once we hit the trail—and with the Cane Creek 40 EC34/28. 6 Top Headset, it is. Built for riders who need a durable, smooth, and cost-effective external cup setup, this upper assembly delivers lasting performance without overcomplication. It features a machined aluminum cup paired with a fully sealed cartridge bearing that shrugs off the elements and keeps our front end feeling tight and precise. The EC34 sizing makes it ideal for classic or modern steel and alloy frames that use external cups, while the 28. 6mm clamp diameter is compatible with standard 1-1/8in threadless steerers. It's no-nonsense gear that works season after season.