Canyon Creaky Headset Fix
I’ve been working on a solution to the infamous headset creak for a long time now. I have my own bike workshop and have been machining some designs myself and testing them. I’m aware there are a few other good options out there by now which seem to work OK, but my version has some advantages over what is currently available.
Problems with the original unit (on CF 2020/21 models)
· Too much torque required on top cap bolt to remove play (6-8NM and still has play)
· Creaking.
· Top headset bearing is a 42/52mm with a 45 degree internal chamfer and not as widely available as I would like or from all manufacturers.
The latest version from Canyon (2022 models onwards I think), and some aftermarket options have solved one issue by using a plastic compression ring.
· Lower torque needed on top cap bolt.
But it still has issues
· Plastic compression ring leaves room for flex and could still creak, possibly even break.
· Still using a 42/52mm headset bearing with 45 degree chamfer.
My solution is shown in the photos below, as well as a selection of my earlier designs which have evolved into my latest version that I’m very happy with. And I believe it has solved all of the problems.
· Normal torque of 1-2NM required to preload the headset.
· No creaking.
· Top headset bearing is a 40/52mm, the same as the lower bearing, and is widely available from many manufacturers (Cane Creek, FSA etc). My unit uses a 36 degree chamfer so it can work with a standard Cane Creek 1.5” headset bearing or any other 40/52mm bearing with a 36 degree internal chamfer and 45 degree external chamfer.
· Made from 7075-T6 aluminium, it will last forever.
I did this project purely to solve a problem on my own bike, not with the intention of selling it. But now I’ve got to a final product that I’m happy with, I’d happily make more for anyone out there that wants one, and try to keep it as affordable and competitive as possible. My workshop is a Ltd company in the UK, so you’ll be buying from a proper shop with no risk.
I’m using the Nukeproof Horizon bearing cover as I couldn’t make this part myself cheaply enough, which are really good quality with a hard anodized finish. So you can also choose from a range of colours: black, grey, purple, blue, gold, red, silver. Or source your own top cover.
Prices are as follows:
· £30 GBP for the unit without top cover or bearing.
· £50 GBP for the unit with the Nukeproof top cover.
· £65 GBP for the unit with Nukeproof top cover & bearing.
(Including postage inside the UK. Worldwide postage can be arranged at additional cost to buyer.)
Early prototypes
Early prototypes
Nearing the final design
Final design assembled
Nukeproof top cover
This unit Replaces Canyon upper headset parts, headset code:
Canyon GP7273-01 Headset
Compatible with:
Exceed
• Exceed CF SLX | M075-01 | 2021
• Exceed CF SLX 8
• Exceed CF SLX 9
• Exceed CF SLX | M075-01 | 2022
• Exceed CF SLX 8
• Exceed CF SLX 9
• Exceed CF SLX | M075-01 | 2023
Lux
• Lux World Cup | M115-01 | 2022
• Lux World Cup CF 6
• Lux World Cup | M115-01 | 2023
• Lux World Cup CF 7
• Lux World Cup CF 8
• Lux World Cup | M116-01 | 2022
• Lux World Cup CFR LTD
• Lux World Cup CFR Team
• Lux World Cup | M116-01 | 2023
Neuron
Neuron CF | M119-01 | 2023
• Neuron CF 8
• Neuron CF 8 WMN
• Neuron CF 9
• Neuron CF 9 SL
• Neuron CF LTD
Precede:ON
• Precede:ON AL | U25-01 | 2022
• Precede:ON 5
• Precede:ON 6
• Precede:ON 7
• Precede:ON AL | U25-02 | 2023
• Precede:ON 6
• Precede:ON 7
• Precede:ON AL | U26-02 | 2023
• Precede:ON 6 Step-Through
• Precede:ON 7 Step-Through
• Precede:ON CF | U15-01 | 2021
• Precede:ON CF 8
• Precede:ON CF 9
• Precede:ON ST AL | U026-01 | 2022
• Precede:ON 5 Step-Through
• Precede:ON 6 Step-Through
• Precede:ON 7 Step-Through
Roadlite: On
Roadlite:ON CF | R084-01 | 2022
Roadlite:ON CF 9 LTD
Spectral
• Spectral 125 | M144-01 | 2023
• Spectral 125 CF 9
• Spectral CF | M120-01 | 2023
• Spectral CF 8 K.I.S.
• Spectral CF 8 K.I.S.
• Spectral CF | M121-01 | 2021
• Spectral 29 CF 7
• Spectral 29 CF 8
• Spectral 29 CF 9
• Spectral 29 LTD
• Spectral CF | M121-01 | 2022
• Spectral 27.5 CF 7
• Spectral 27.5 CF 8
• Spectral 27.5 CF 9
• Spectral 29 CF 7
• Spectral 29 CF 8
• Spectral 29 CF 9
• Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV
• Spectral CF | M121-01 | 2023
• Spectral 27.5 CF 8
• Spectral 29 CF 8
• Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV
• Spectral CFR | M122-01 | 2022
• Spectral 29 CFR
Spectral 125
• Spectral 125 | M144-01 | 2022
• Spectral 125 CF 7
• Spectral 125 CF 8
• Spectral 125 CF 9
• Spectral 125 CF LTD
• Spectral 125 | M144-01 | 2023
• Spectral 125 CF 9
• Spectral 125 | M144-01 | 2024
Strive: On
Strive:ON | M158-01 | 2024
Torque
• Torque CF | M106-01 | 2022
• Torque 27.5 CF 7
• Torque 27.5 CF 9
• Torque 29 CF 7
• Torque 29 CF 9
• Torque CF CLLCTV FW
• Torque CF | M106-01 | 2023
Torque: On
Torque:ON | M124-01 | 2022Torque:ON | M124-01 | 2022
• Torque:ON CF 8
• Torque:ON CF 9
• Torque:ON CF Roczen