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Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

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Wolf Tooth Components now has two options when it comes to headsets. Though technically, only one of them is new. Back in 2018, WTC introduced us to their new line of impeccably made headsets, aptly named the Precision Headset. Now that same exact Precision Headset gets a new name – the Premium Headset. Why the shift? Because that headset is now joined by their Performance headset as well for two different price point options.

Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

So what’s the difference? It all comes down to the construction of the bearing itself. Premium Headsets will use a stainless steel Enduro bearing, while Performance Headsets will use a black oxide coated steel Enduro bearing. Performance Headsets also only sell in one stack height for the headset upper cover, and carry a one year warranty vs. a lifetime warranty for the Premium models. Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

Otherwise, the headsets use the same 6061 aluminum components and offer the same sealing at the crown race and inside and outside of the top cap.

Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

Each headset is offered in nine different colors, eight of which are anodized along with the Nickel Plated version.

Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

Sold in separate upper and lower halves to accommodate frames that mix standards, options are available for external cup, IS intetraged, and Zero Stack standards and in the most common sizes. Pricing for Performance Headsets will range from $19.95 – $34.95 for the lowers and $39.95-$44.95 for the uppers. The Premium headsets fall in the range of $39.95-$54.95 for the lowers and $59.95-$64.95 for the uppers.

Wolf Tooth Components precision headsets get new black oxide bearing Performance model

Available now.

Learn more at wolftoothcomponents.com.

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Velo Kitty
Velo Kitty
3 years ago

Black oxide is not a particularly effective corrosion preventative coating.

Andrew
Andrew
3 years ago
Reply to  Velo Kitty

That’s why it only has a one year warranty, compared to the stainless bearings’ lifetime warranty 🙂

cdn-dave
cdn-dave
3 years ago

that’s a pretty cool stem cap, to allow for a lightly longer steerer (?)

blahblah1233445
3 years ago

Cane Creek 40 anyone? 😛

Greg
Greg
3 years ago

Cane creek abandoned black oxide and now uses zinc (plated, I’m assuming) races on their mid range headsets

TyRacing
3 years ago

Cane Creek 40-series ditched black oxide a couple of years ago and went with superior corrosion resistance offered by a special zinc coating.

Larry Falk
Larry Falk
3 years ago

Whenever a journalist has to explain a company’s marketing lingo, that’s a failure of that company’s marketing lingo. Wolf Tooth, you can do better than using “Premium” and “Performance” to differentiate your most likely great headsets.

Andrew
Andrew
3 years ago
Reply to  Larry Falk

This article isn’t really ‘explaining’ Wolf’s marketing lingo, it’s just talking about the difference between two product lines. Wolf isn’t going to call one product line “Headset with expensive Stainless Steel Bearings” and the other product line “Headset with cheap Black Oxide Coated Steel Bearings”

My guess is they went with “Performance” because the black oxide coated bearing is going to be slightly lighter than the stainless steel ones (even though they’re crap bearings).

Velo Kitty
Velo Kitty
3 years ago

Why do they show a star nut in both the Premium Headset and Performance Headset configurations?

Star nuts are designed for metal steerer tubes only and are inherently unsafe with carbon fiber steerer tubes. If you use a star nut on a carbon fiber steerer tube, you risk seriously injury or death.

Rodrigo Diaz
Rodrigo Diaz
3 years ago
Reply to  Velo Kitty

My guess it’s because that’s what’s included when you buy the upper or a full set. The website also has it in the photos of the product.

It’s the same with Cane Creek – you buy that part and you get a star nut in the box. They also come with express instructions NOT to use them with carbon steerers.

Source: Empirical experience. I just bought a CC headset directly from them.

blahblah1233445
3 years ago

Exactly – that’s why it’s better to go for something well known for being almost indestructable. I’m using two 40 sets on my commuting and trail bikes and the Slamset on XC bike – completely maintenance-free.

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