Cane Creek40 Series ZS Tapered ZS44 ZS56/40 Headset
Item # CNE0041
It comes down to priorities.
The Cane Creek 40 Series ZeroStack headset is modeled after Cane Creek’s 110-series headset. The most noticeable difference is the finish. Where the 110 is a gloss black, the 40 opts for a satin look. There are a couple of internal differences, as well. Whether they are worth the difference in price is the question.
Looks aside, the 40-Series Headset is crafted from 6061 T6 alloy where the 110 headset has cups machined from 7075 T6 aluminum. The functional difference is one of a few grams, with the higher tech alloy of the 110 headset allowing a lighter overall part. This 40-Series Headset spins on Cane Creek's black oxide bearings. The races and balls start out as 52100 steel and are then given an acid bath to make them more corrosion resistant, while still being porous enough to retain grease. They are angular contact bearings (ACB), which resist both axial and radial loads equally well. The cartridges are sealed with what Cane Creek likes to call a Split Lip Seal, which has two contact seals per side to better keep out contaminants and hold in grease.
To augment the seals on the cartridge bearings, Cane Creek adds face seals to the crown race and top assembly. So what if the bearings aren't stainless like the 110 Headset — grease kept in and muddy goop kept out keeps 'em running like new for a long time. In the event that you might wreck the bearings through normal use or abuse, you should know that all the internal parts in this 40-Series Headset are compatible with their top-of-the-line 110-Series Headset. So you could always upgrade to the 110 headset's stainless steel bearings. The Clip-Seal in the upper assembly holds all the parts together, including the compression ring. This makes assembly a cinch, since there are no loose parts to misplace or install backward.
What do you think about this product?
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September 23, 2020
The Goto Headset for All My Builds!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- ZS56
- Height
- 6` 3"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
I've been ordering and using these Cane Creek 40 headsets for the past 5 years or so, and re-using/moving them between frames as I grow the fleet and upsize my kids' bikes. At least 3 or 4 headsets, across 6 or 7 frames. Recycling! No failures, always smooth running. The only reason to order more has been to cover sizes I don't have - the last move to a Meta HT Commensal for the oldest required a larger LOWER bearing. And so Competitive Cyclist had it, new size fit like a Lego, and they asked me to review it. And so I have!
Todd S.
March 28, 2018
Works great
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Solid product! works great and does an awesome job. Came stock on my bike and have no complaints.
Brandon Orloski
July 12, 2017
returned before using
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
I've used Cane Creek headsets countless times but ended up returning this one because it is the "tall top". I prefer a short top so if you are looking for a lower profile headset, this one isn't for you.
Jacob Dudek
March 23, 2017
Forgetset
The 40 series is the go to for my Yeti's. Unless you live in a wetter/humid climate where items are prone to rusting, the ZO sealed alloy bearings turn smooth and slient.
Jon J
March 15, 2017
YAY HEADSETS
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Put this guy on my Yeti SB6, and it allows my handlebars to turn real good!
James Pramick
March 7, 2017
Great value for money
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
This headset is great, good tolerances, good bearings, and well made and easy to install (provided you have a good headset press) One caveat is if you live in a super humid climate or ride a lot in inclement weather, look into upgrading to the 110 version. It has stainless steel bearings, whereas this one has zinc oxide coated bearings, which are not rust proof.
Luke Dordai
July 29, 2016
durable and smooth
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Cane Creek has always made durable and quality headsets. They are also affordable! They may not look fancy but this headset get the job down. If you like doing bar turns and riding hard the Cane creek 40 headset is the animal for you. I have installed this headset on many of my bikes and haven't ever replaced a bearing.
Dan Dalton
September 14, 2015
Save here, spend more on beer later
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I've run Chris King for nearly a decade. I decided to switch it up to Cane Creek 40 this time to save some money. I only have a few hundred miles on it thus far but things are seated nicely and there is zero play. Install was very easy. The parts feel well-made, not some OE junk you might find elsewhere. As Kevin also mentioned, upgrade to the Cane Creek 110 if you or your trail conditions are really rough. However, for all around XC/Trail, this should do you just fine and dandy.
Noah Singer
August 7, 2015
Great value for the money
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
The Cane Creek 40 series headsets are a great bang for the buck. Just holding them you can tell they are made well and have good tolerances. The seals keep moisture and gunk out of the bearings so they should provide years of smooth turns. I usually take apart my headsets at least once a year to get some fresh grease in anyways. If you do a bunch of wet rides or live in the PNW, you may want to bump up to the 110 series to provide a bit more piece of mind since the moisture will get through even the best seals and destroy bearings. That is not to say this headset isn't up for it, you may just need to show it some love more often.
Kevin K
December 23, 2013
Great Value Headset
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Install was a piece of cake on my Niner Jet 9. Durable and smooth, no complaints!
Justice
October 16, 2013
Is this the headset I need for a Niner RIP...
Is this the headset I need for a Niner RIP RDO? Cane Creek 40 Series ZS Tapered Headset 44/56
John K