Review on FSA Orbit MX 1-1/8 Inch Threadless MTB Road Headset - Black (NO.20) with Top Cap - XTE1504 by Brian Sitton

Update: Already ridden about 500 miles with new headset. Still spins very smoothly .I had to tighten the top cap once after a couple of bumpy rides but I suspect it's just loose because my setup tightened a little more under my weight.High quality parts with aluminum cups (lock in straight position).The package was well packaged although not in the original box and comes with all parts in order of installation.This unit is required to fit 1 1/8" threadless headsets that use external cups. Upper/lower cups, pre-installed dust o-rings (x2), crown ring, sealed cartridge chamber top cap, bolted top cap, star nut are all included in this headset. Compared to the bearings in the old headset's cage, this sealed cartridge unit rotates more smoothly with less headset movement. This also fixed my indexing issue mentioned above. I'll update my review later as I've only ridden a few miles with this new headset. This was my first headset change, the steel frame and fork took about 3 hours of meticulous work. The longest part was removing the old headset. To remove the old headset you will need: 1. 1/2" PVC pipe (longer than the head tube) 2. Hacksaw 3. Razor blade (from a utility knife) 4. Rubber mallet 5. Flathead screwdriver fork to slide out. Step Two: Using the PVC pipe, make 2 cuts on one end along the length of the pipe. Cut off about 2 inches. Then pinch the ends outward to form a cone. Step Three: Insert the PVC pipe into the steering column so that the ends of the pipe rest on the upper or lower cups. Tap with a hammer to knock out the cups. Step 4: On the fork, hit the razor blade between the crown and the fork with a mallet. (it took 30 minutes). Done with a screwdriver to remove. To install you will need: 6. Rubber mallet7. 1 1/4" PVC pipe with plug 8. Grease (I used automotive hub grease) 9. Block of wood Step Five: Install the top and bottom shells. Make sure you gently use a hammer with a piece of wood on them use the cups to secure it.. a few hits will make it run away. Use lube to apply it around the steerer tube and inner cups. Step 6: Install the new crown clip. Slide the tube over the steerer tube and use 1 1/4" PVC pipe to insert the ferrule (steerer tube narrows slightly). Step 7: Reinstall the fork, add the split compression ring, add the top cap, then tighten the top cap cover, then tighten the stem.