HEADSETS
If you want to learn something about headsets for freestyle scooters, you must first be willing to perform a now almost forgotten activity – reading.
A headset allows the handlebars and fork to rotate.
The handlebars and fork are connected and rotate simultaneously.
The handlebars and fork can rotate 360°.
Compared to bicycles (touring, mountain, road) or regular scooters, headset bearings on freestyle scooters are subject to more stress.
This is partly because rotating the handlebars 360° is a popular and frequent trick (e.g., barspin, tailwhip).
Freestyle scooter headsets are the same size as BMX bike headsets (1 1/8").
HOW HEADSETS CAN BE CATEGORIZED
a) Threaded headsets
These are the basic and cheapest headsets, used on inexpensive scooters with threaded forks and a standard deck head tube.
Threaded headsets are usually made of steel and use ball bearings.
Their operation is by no means as smooth, fluid, and quiet as that of threadless headsets.
b) Threadless standard headsets
Threadless standard headsets are the same as threaded headsets, only they have a different top cap that allows the use of a threadless fork. These headsets are not very common.
Threadless standard headsets are used in conjunction with threadless forks and a standard deck head tube.
c) Threadless integrated headsets
This is the most common type of headset.
Threadless integrated headsets are essentially a subset of threadless standard headsets, meaning they only use some of their parts. In other words, you can create an integrated headset from a standard one, but not the other way around.
Threadless integrated headsets use industrial bearings, usually fully sealed. The cups are made of aluminum. Threadless integrated headsets have a very fluid, smooth, and quiet operation even when the compression system is fully tightened.
Threadless integrated headsets are used in conjunction with threadless forks and decks with an integrated head tube.
HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF A HEADSET
1) The headset must always be tightly secured (no play).
2) Avoid situations where water can enter the headset (do not ride in the wet).
3) Keep the headset free of dirt. A headset is a mechanical device, and you must clean it occasionally. The headset needs MAINTENANCE!!
4) The bottom part of the compression system must be perfectly flat. In the case of HIC and IHC compression systems, the bottom edge of the shim must be perfectly flat. In the case of an SCS compression system, the bottom part of the SCS itself must be perfectly flat. And finally, in the case of an ICS compression system, the bottom edge of the handlebar tube must be perfectly flat.
One important thing follows from this, among other things: If you want to cut your handlebars, you must perform this work very precisely.
An uneven surface of the compression system destroys the headset bearings.
5) Do not lend your scooter to friends. They may weigh 30 kg more and have a completely different riding style.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEADSET
1) You must know whether you have a deck with an integrated or standard head tube.
2) You must know whether you have a threaded or threadless fork.
3) Different brands of decks and different brands of headsets are generally compatible.
4) The type of handlebars used does not affect the choice of headset. Only the deck, fork, and compression system influence the choice of headset.