ZS44/EC44 Headset

ZS44/EC44 Headset

Price range: $179.00 through $185.00

The White Industries ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset combines precision machining, premium Enduro stainless steel bearings, and a split crown race for smooth steering and easy service. Compatible with straight and tapered fork steerers. Made in Petaluma, California.

SKU: zs44ec44
Category:

Description

The White Industries ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset delivers smooth steering, lasting durability, and timeless style for modern bicycles. We machine, polish, engrave, and inspect every headset in our Petaluma, California facility. As a result, every headset reflects the precision craftsmanship and dependable performance riders have trusted for more than 30 years.

For decades, White Industries has designed components that prioritize precision, reliability, and serviceability. The ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset continues that tradition with premium materials, thoughtful engineering, and a clean, refined design built to perform for years to come.

Every headset features premium Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings. These bearings provide smooth, consistent steering in every riding condition. They are also fully replaceable, making maintenance simple and extending the life of your headset.

The ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset also features our split crown race design. You can install and remove it by hand without specialized tools. As a result, servicing your headset is quick and straightforward. In addition, every headset receives precision machine engraving—not laser etching—for a premium finish that reflects the attention to detail found in every White Industries component.

The White Industries ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset is designed for frames with 44mm head tubes. With the appropriate crown race, it is compatible with both straight 1-1/8-inch and tapered 1-1/2-inch (40mm) fork steerers. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of modern road, gravel, cyclocross, and mountain bike frames.

Because headset standards vary between manufacturers, we recommend confirming your bike’s SHIS (Standardized Headset Identification System) specifications before placing your order. Verifying compatibility helps ensure the correct fit and hassle-free installation.

Whether you’re replacing a worn headset or completing a custom bike build, the White Industries ZS44 | EC44 Threadless Headset delivers smooth steering, premium craftsmanship, and American-made quality built to last.

Features

  • Precision CNC-machined in Petaluma, California
  • Designed for ZS44 | EC44 headset applications
  • Fits 44mm head tubes
  • Compatible with straight 1-1/8-inch and tapered 1-1/2-inch (40mm) fork steerers with the appropriate crown race
  • Premium Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings
  • Replaceable bearings for long-term serviceability
  • Split crown race for easy installation and removal
  • Precision machine-engraved White Industries logos
  • Durable, easy-to-service design
  • Smooth, reliable steering performance
  • Made in the USA

Technical Documents

Looking for more detailed technical info? Visit our Technical Documents page here.

Specs

  • 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Machine engraved logos 
  • Easily replaceable Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings
  • “Split” crown race for tool-free installation and removal
  • Stack height
    • Upper: 8mm
    • Lower: 12mm
  • Weight

Compatibility

  • A perfect match to our really sweet matching headset spacers, available separately
  • The ZS44│EC44 headset is designed to fit frames with straight 44mm head tubes and three types of fork steerers (see below)
  • The “ZS” stands for “Zero Stack” as the section of the cup that houses the top bearing sits inside of the frame’s head tube, while “External Cup” stands for section of the cup that houses the bearing sits outside of the frame’s head tube.  The “44” stands for the 44mm “skirt” that presses into the head tube.
  • SHIS specification
    • Upper: ZS44/28.6
    • Lower: EC44/30, EC44/33, or EC4440
      • Can accommodate 3 types of fork steerers:
        • “Straight 1-⅛” with a 30mm crown race seat
        • “Tapered 1-¼” with a 33mm crown race seat
        • “Tapered 1-½” with a 40mm crown race seat
  • Not compatible with carbon forks that have integrated crown race seats
  • SHIS definitions on the Park Tools website: here
  • Frame/Fork specs:

Frame upper head tube inside diameter  

 33.9mm to 33.95mm

Frame lower head tube inside diameter

43.95mm to 44mm

Fork steerer diameter top section 

28.45mm to 28.6mm

Crown race seat diameter for “straight 1-⅛”

30.015mm to 30.075mm

Crown race seat diameter for “tapered 1-¼”

33.03mm to 30.09mm

Crown race seat diameter for “tapered 1-½”

39.79mm to 39.85mm

Bearings

Headset Model  

 Upper Bearing (inner/outer angle) Lower Bearing (inner/outer angle)

Lower Fork Race Compatibility

ZS44│EC44

 ACB3645SS 36/45 ACB6808CCSS 36/45  

1-⅛” (30mm)

 1-¼” (33mm)

 1-½” (40mm)

What's In The Box

  • One headset which includes:
    • Top cap bolt
    • Top cap
    • Bearing cover
    • Upper bearing compression ring
    • Upper bearing
    • Upper cup
    • Lower cup
    • Lower bearing
    • Crown race
  • Headsets no longer include Star Nuts due to the Earth’s star nut overpopulation crisis. If you need one, they are available separately here.

FAQ

Will this headset fit my bike?

You will need to do some homework and get the SHIS specs of your frame and fork which those manufacturers will have.  See those definitions here.  Also see the “Compatibility” section on this page.  Simply telling us what model bike you have may not be enough info to go on.  Help us help you and get the specs!

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