White Industries wasn’t the only company introducing a line of headsets at NAHBS this year. Known for their huge array of bearings and bearing related tools, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that Enduro was showing a bunch of headset prototypes at the show. Perhaps more important than headsets though, Enduro was also showing a full run of Campagnolo Ultra-Torque bottom brackets for a few hard to find standards…
Still technically prototypes, the Enduro headsets did have a lot to show. One interesting touch – the upper cups will be able to run 136 or 137 bearings which will enable the user to run 1 1/8″ or 1 1/4″ upper steerer tubes without changing the upper cup. There will be specific parts for the 136 bearings (1 1/8″ steerers) or the 137 (1 1/4″). Using a fairly typical split collet design, Enduro says they are aiming for the most durable headset possible without going overboard on weight. The full reveal will be at Sea Otter, but they say most standards should be available starting at $39 for a black oxide bearing or $99 for the stainless premium bearing in black, blue, or red.
Ironically, just before I moseyed over to the Enduro booth, a friend was asking me if there was a solution to run a Campagnolo Ultra-Torque crankset on a T47 bottom bracket without any adapters. I didn’t know the answer – until I saw it over at Enduro.
Part of a complete run of Ultra-Torque bottom brackets, Enduro now has options for T47, BB86/92, BB30, and PF30. All of them are the shell only since the bearings are pressed onto the Campy cranks – though Enduro does sell upgraded bearings including Zero ceramic and radial XD. The cups should run between $120-150.
Not shown, Enduro also offers a BB86/92 bottom bracket that will fit 30mm spindles. Little more than a double row bearing with the outer race serving as the BB “cup”, the bottom bracket is flanged to prevent over tightening and is available in black oxide ($18 each side), stainless ($30 per side), and ceramic ($50 per side).
Finally, Enduro has a new version of their fork seals which are easier to install and should provide increased durability. Now one piece, the black and blue pieces are fused together making installation easier. The upper polyurethane dust wipers are mated to silicone lower wiper seals impregnated with Molybdenum Disulfide for decreased stiction. Available in 32, 34, 35, 36, and 40mm sizes, the seals sell for $28 with foam rings.
