TCFlowClyde
Active member
Problems with ICR ZS56/28.6 headsets? Me too! I have two in 8 months with uniquely different issues discussed later.
First, all Internal Cable Routing third party headsets are new, and thus questions of precision and durability are at the forefront.
Second, I like the idea, it provides a very clean look, but because it has more moving parts than a non-ICR headset, it introduces variabilities that are difficult to troubleshoot, so I'm giving up and going back to the traditional ZS headset with internal frame cable routing. Doing it by drilling some cutout ports and stuffing in plastic and /or rubber cable grommets and guides.
Third, I want the high bearing tolerances and cup precision that a traditional Enduro headset can handle for my 38mm Zeb fork and crush force resistance potential for my heavy rider load and small bump/jump/drop compliances.
Currently, there are 4 known ZS56 upper headset assemblies (cap, cartridge bearing [52/40 mm and 45Β°/45Β° angled bearings], cup, and cover plate/dust plate, stem cap and bolt, a reducer and star nut) out there:
1) Cane Creek (US), 2) Work Components (UK), 3) Woodman (Taiwan) and FUNN Components (Taiwan). They all make a ZS56/28.6 (semi-integrated headtube opening measurement and 28.6/1 1/8" top cap opening). Both Cane Creek and Work Components have full ZS56/28.6 UPPER + ZS56/40 lower headset. So, you might save some cash to earn forward and eBay off the lower one. Woodman and Funn make a dedicated ZS56/28.6 headset assembly.
1) Cane Creek 40 full headset assembly is easy to find in the US and goes from $55-75. The "40 series" is considered mid-end quality and not at the high as the DJ/DH "Hellbender series". The "110 series" has a most durable premium bearing build somehow, but only the 40 series is available at ZS56/28.6 top assembly. The Hellbender 70 in this size planned apparently "...soon..." stated by the CC rep earlier today. Can always upgrade later, which is easy since it's a traditional headset and thus no trimming of the rear brake line. Which Shimano BH90 is expensive on my Saints calipers.
See link:
www.performancebike.com
2) The Works Components full assembly is the most pricey $80-$100. Harder to get in the US. I hear it's quality is in premium 7075 Al and precision bearings. It's got a clever off-set to collapse or expand reach 6 mm for more comfort. They also make an angle set, where the top is flat and centered, whereas the bottom only angles. See link:
Reach Adjust ZS56-ZS56 - To Suit 1 1/8" Steerer - 6mm
northwestbicycle.com
3) The Woodman...just upper assembly sells for $39 with faster shipping international. Can't attest to their quality. See link:
WOOdman TB TZS
4) FUNN Components out of Taiwan is also just the upper assembly for $25 on Amazon.com. Great spd/DH platform pedals and many swear by the quality of their other components, but I'd guess not as good as a trusted Cane Creek 40. See
Link: Funn Descend Upper Headset, Zero Stack Angular Contact Bearing Upper Headset, Alloy Bike Headset for Mountain Bike, BMX Bike, Road Bike and Gravel Bike Amazon.com
Suggested frame plastic port cable guides and grommets will be discussed in the future...
One possible screw-in clamp ICR frame guide is Levo Gen 3. See link:
Nope I returned them... they're curved.
www.performancebike.com
Also, I'll try to post my conversion cutout process and install...
First, all Internal Cable Routing third party headsets are new, and thus questions of precision and durability are at the forefront.
Second, I like the idea, it provides a very clean look, but because it has more moving parts than a non-ICR headset, it introduces variabilities that are difficult to troubleshoot, so I'm giving up and going back to the traditional ZS headset with internal frame cable routing. Doing it by drilling some cutout ports and stuffing in plastic and /or rubber cable grommets and guides.
Third, I want the high bearing tolerances and cup precision that a traditional Enduro headset can handle for my 38mm Zeb fork and crush force resistance potential for my heavy rider load and small bump/jump/drop compliances.
Currently, there are 4 known ZS56 upper headset assemblies (cap, cartridge bearing [52/40 mm and 45Β°/45Β° angled bearings], cup, and cover plate/dust plate, stem cap and bolt, a reducer and star nut) out there:
1) Cane Creek (US), 2) Work Components (UK), 3) Woodman (Taiwan) and FUNN Components (Taiwan). They all make a ZS56/28.6 (semi-integrated headtube opening measurement and 28.6/1 1/8" top cap opening). Both Cane Creek and Work Components have full ZS56/28.6 UPPER + ZS56/40 lower headset. So, you might save some cash to earn forward and eBay off the lower one. Woodman and Funn make a dedicated ZS56/28.6 headset assembly.
1) Cane Creek 40 full headset assembly is easy to find in the US and goes from $55-75. The "40 series" is considered mid-end quality and not at the high as the DJ/DH "Hellbender series". The "110 series" has a most durable premium bearing build somehow, but only the 40 series is available at ZS56/28.6 top assembly. The Hellbender 70 in this size planned apparently "...soon..." stated by the CC rep earlier today. Can always upgrade later, which is easy since it's a traditional headset and thus no trimming of the rear brake line. Which Shimano BH90 is expensive on my Saints calipers.
See link:
Cane Creek 40 Headset (Black) (ZS56/28.6) (ZS56/40)
Cane Creek 40 Headset Description: The 40-Series is the workhorse of Cane Creek's headset line-up. Representing the balance of performance, durability... BAA2202K
2) The Works Components full assembly is the most pricey $80-$100. Harder to get in the US. I hear it's quality is in premium 7075 Al and precision bearings. It's got a clever off-set to collapse or expand reach 6 mm for more comfort. They also make an angle set, where the top is flat and centered, whereas the bottom only angles. See link:
Reach Adjust ZS56-ZS56 - To Suit 1 1/8" Steerer - 6mm
Works Components 1.5deg ZS56-ZS56 Angleset-Tapered Headset : ZS56/28.6 | ZS56/40 ZeroStack Complete Black Set 3 110-119mm
To suit tapered forks Upper cup Stack height: 3mm - Total upper stack height including bearing cover: 8mm Lower cup Stack height: 3mm Upper Bearing: 41mm OD, 45 x 45 Degree AC sealed bearing Lower Bearing: 52mm OD, 45 x 45 Degree AC sealed bearing Split type 7075-T6 aluminium crown race for...
northwestbicycle.com
3) The Woodman...just upper assembly sells for $39 with faster shipping international. Can't attest to their quality. See link:
WOOdman TB TZS
4) FUNN Components out of Taiwan is also just the upper assembly for $25 on Amazon.com. Great spd/DH platform pedals and many swear by the quality of their other components, but I'd guess not as good as a trusted Cane Creek 40. See
Link: Funn Descend Upper Headset, Zero Stack Angular Contact Bearing Upper Headset, Alloy Bike Headset for Mountain Bike, BMX Bike, Road Bike and Gravel Bike Amazon.com
Suggested frame plastic port cable guides and grommets will be discussed in the future...
One possible screw-in clamp ICR frame guide is Levo Gen 3. See link:
Nope I returned them... they're curved.
Specialized Levo ICR Port Kit (Black) (Gen 3)
Specialized Levo ICR Port Kit Description: Levo Inner Cable Route kit includes a blank, one cable, or two cable entry port covers and mounting... S216500007
Also, I'll try to post my conversion cutout process and install...
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for $30, but I figured the extra fees (3x the ship by sea) would be worth it so my bike isn't down longer than expected. So, 5 days passes before it will actually be shipped.
If it's not a frame thing, it's just diminishing returns. Damn, I like the bike even Linda to an informal extent, but predictably poor after-purchase customer service and definitely incompetence tech support (i.e., motor covers 1-3 and ICR headsets 1&2).
Just in case my from Linda aren't the same, now I know where to get them and much cheaper and probably quicker to deliver too! 
Thanks for the update.
