ICR Headsets for the SZZS-specific CEF50 build

TCFlowClyde · Apr 13, 2023

Internal Cable Routing (ICR) headsets come stock/OEM on many higher,-end Orbea E-mtbs in the past few years, so now also this is true for the Bafang M820 (close-integrated downtube battery) frames. Consequently, they're new, and traditional manufacturers like Cane Creek and Chris King are not making them yet. So a few of the FSA-type custom ICF are being utilized it seems in both the CEF50 and LCE930.

What are some good upgrades to purchase before installing the cheaper-grade (likely FSA bearings) ICR bearings that might serve as viable alternatives?

I was thinking of just replacing the stock bearings with Enduro headset IS 52/66. But now can't find the 66 mm in the Enduro website. Unless I'm missing it somehow.

Also, I know that there are pros/cons for the ICR system and may serve as " a solution w/o a problem". But unless you intending to drill ports in the frame yourself, for which is an option, probably you have to use the ICR system regardless.

Just exploring options here...

Stephen B · Apr 13, 2023

I don't know if I understand you correct. Are you saying the head set provided with this frame is not a FSA brand?
Is the FSA Branded one good quality?

TCFlowClyde · Apr 13, 2023

Stephen B said:
I don't know if I understand you correct. Are you saying the head set provided with this frame is not a FSA brand?
Is the FSA Branded one good quality?

No. It's likely decent. It probably has FSA bearings on nonbranded topcap etc. FSA can make both higher end and lower end. I doubt they're higher end. So, better quality is out there than OEM.

temon10 · Apr 15, 2023

TCFlowClyde said:
Internal Cable Routing (ICR) headsets come stock/OEM on many higher,-end Orbea E-mtbs in the past few years, so now also this is true for the Bafang M820 (close-integrated downtube battery) frames. Consequently, they're new, and traditional manufacturers like Cane Creek and Chris King are not making them yet. So a few of the FSA-type custom ICF are being utilized it seems in both the CEF50 and LCE930.

What are some good upgrades to purchase before installing the cheaper-grade (likely FSA bearings) ICR bearings that might serve as viable alternatives?

I was thinking of just replacing the stock bearings with Enduro headset IS 52/66. But now can't find the 66 mm in the Enduro website. Unless I'm missing it somehow.

Also, I know that there are pros/cons for the ICR system and may serve as " a solution w/o a problem". But unless you intending to drill ports in the frame yourself, for which is an option, probably you have to use the ICR system regardless.

Just exploring options here...
View attachment 111507

did u find aliexpress link for this headset?

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

temon10 said:
did u find aliexpress link for this headset?

No this one is stock for the LCE930. I'm sure it's the same for CEF50. I just wanted to upgrade it.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

The German company Acros makes higher quality bearings with their headsets.
Here's a link for the upper 52:.

is52/is52 bearing kit - integrated cable routing

Replacement headset bearings for frames with 52mm bearing seat of the head tube at the top and bottom and integrated cable guide (icr). Our is52/is52 bearing set consists of two angular contact ball bearings and a special centering ring...

acros-components.com

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

And here's a Across link for a 66 lower headset:

zs66 headset lower part

Semi-integrated headset (zs) for frames with 66mm head tube at the bottom. In our zs66-headset-bottom-part, the combination of angular contact ball bearings and well thought-out sealings ensure durability with minimum maintenance and...

acros-components.com

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

Does anyone have experience with Acros bearings? And compared to the gold standard Enduro bearings (currently Enduro makes no lowers in 66 mm)?

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

What's the Ritchey link again for the upper?

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

mike_kelly said:
Ritchey offers a one cable headset under the same name in the US the Logic-E but I don't see the two cable. Now that I think about it us mechanicals will need three cable holes.

Could drill out one more port? Or just slot it with Dremel type Mimi cutter? Plastic insert?

mike_kelly · Apr 15, 2023

It looks like the one supplied is like that. I wanted to use the Ritchey to get a tighter seal around the cables. Will have to see what is possible.
I know. I just got an idea. Run the ables outside the frame and no water can get in. I may have to patent the idea!

Stephen B · Apr 15, 2023

mike_kelly said:
I know. I just got an idea. Run the ables outside the frame and no water can get in. I may have to patent the idea!

That will never work. If it did someone else would have already thought of it.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 15, 2023

Stephen B said:
That will never work. If it did someone else would have already thought of it.

I think he was being ironic.

Stephen B · Apr 15, 2023

Yes I got the it, I’ve been riding bikes with external for a while now.

Stephen B · Apr 15, 2023

Probably around 1975 or thereabouts

TCFlowClyde · Apr 16, 2023

Stephen B said:
Probably around 1975 or thereabouts

Ah, I get it. You too were being ironic!🫣

mike_kelly · Apr 16, 2023

Sometimes I see us going backward. We have good drive trains and they we have to go to 12 speed which does not shift as well and the parts are two thin and break. For absolutely why the change? Consumers don't do their homework and say NO! Unfortunately we don't get a choice because the vendors feel everyone will run out and want pretty mountain bikes, the bkes used in the dirt right? I just am too old I think.
No we get to get all new drivetrains because SRAM and SHimano have figured out how to make them 1% better and at the same time put their competition like Microshift out of business.
No! I have bought spares for my 11s Deore drivetrains and to heck with them all.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 16, 2023

So, no e-shifting 4 you then?

At least you're open to the ICR headset and plan on not drilling side holes into your newly painted CEF50 frame!

mike_kelly · Apr 16, 2023

No e-shifting. Now you see why Shim wanted a "more durable" drivetrain so it can survive auto-shifting under extreme load.
Duck tape for my cables on the outside. But cool sparkle gold duck tape

TCFlowClyde · Apr 16, 2023

mike_kelly said:
No e-shifting. Now you see why Shim wanted a "more durable" drivetrain so it can survive auto-shifting under extreme load.
Duck tape for my cables on the outside. But cool sparkle gold duck tape

Sweet!

TCFlowClyde · Apr 19, 2023

I went with an Acros 66 bottom headset from Ridewill.com $65. And Enduro 52 top headset bearings from Modernbike.com $36. So, I'll use the stock top-cap with IRC. Total upgrade is $100 for heavy duty bearings.

mike_kelly · Apr 19, 2023

Are you sure you got the bearing chamfer right and the height? I don't know if the supplied cup use 30d or 45d bearings.nor how high the bears are

mike_kelly · Apr 19, 2023

Not saying this will work but it is the right spec.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-neutron-zs66-e-bike-bottom-headset/rp-prod213460

**** Note it will work. SZZS also has a new headset they had made that is higher quality and with better sealing 12/22/23

TCFlowClyde · Apr 19, 2023

mike_kelly said:
Are you sure you got the bearing chamfer right and the height? I don't know if the supplied cup use 30d or 45d bearings.nor how high the bears are

No not sure. Just guessing.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 19, 2023

mike_kelly said:
Not saying this will work but it is the right spec.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-neutron-zs66-e-bike-bottom-headset/rp-prod213460

I assume FSA bearings, and Cane Creek should be same, Enduro bearings are meant to be upgrades to CC. So semi-educated guess.

I avoided the Nuke proof because of blocker portion. Also, the Acros 66 looked more compatible?

mike_kelly · Apr 19, 2023

I don't know where they found the headset they use. I can't find any like it anywhere.
The chamfer used is all over the map plus the height can differ within brands.
Just have to figure it out I guess after it comes.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 19, 2023

mike_kelly said:
I don't know where they found the headset they use. I can't find any like it anywhere.
The chamfer used is all over the map plus the height can differ withing brands.

Yeah, hoping I didn't waste $35-100 for upgrade.

But given that once the rear brake cable is fed through it and bled on the intial build, I was willing to risk fitment for a higher quality upgrade.... especially overforking it a bit.

TCFlowClyde · Apr 19, 2023

Wow! Less than a week from Italy. Update. I ordered just 4 days ago! FedEx was only choice!

Acros 66 bottom headset...I guess it's the new "oversized" headset to allow for more cable routing space?

And crap...It's big!

Used my teacup for size context!

mike_kelly · Apr 20, 2023

Ya I ordered a set of carbon rims from Asia and they arrived today...and I am not home till sunday

TCFlowClyde · Apr 20, 2023

mike_kelly said:
Ya I ordered a set of carbon rims from Asia and they arrived today...and I am not home till sunday

R they safe? Where's home? Midwest?

ICR Headsets for the SZZS-specific CEF50 build

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