ZS44/ZS44 Headset- Limited Edition

$225.00

Stylish, durable, and easily serviceable.  Those were the goals when designing our headsets.  We machine engrave our logos for a classy look, use durable and easily replaceable Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings, and use a “split” crown race design that you can install and remove by hand.

SKU: zs44zs44-1
Category: ,

Description

The White Industries Limited Edition Desert Sage Cerakote ZS44 | ZS44 Threadless Headset combines our precision-machined headset with an exclusive finish available for a limited time. We machine, polish, engrave, and inspect every headset in our Petaluma, California facility. As a result, the Desert Sage ZS44 | ZS44 delivers smooth steering, lasting durability, and premium American craftsmanship.

For more than 30 years, White Industries has designed components that prioritize simplicity, reliability, and serviceability. Today, the ZS44 | ZS44 Headset continues that tradition with precision machining, durable materials, and thoughtful engineering built for years of dependable riding.

The Limited Edition Desert Sage Cerakote finish gives your bike a distinctive look inspired by the landscapes we love to ride. Combined with our precision machine-engraved logos, it creates a clean, refined appearance that complements any custom build.

Every headset features premium Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings for smooth, consistent steering and long-lasting performance. When it’s time for service, the bearings are easy to replace. In addition, our split crown race design allows for quick installation and removal without specialized tools, making maintenance simple for years to come.

The ZS44 | ZS44 Headset is designed for frames with 44mm upper and lower head tubes and straight 1-1/8-inch (28.6mm) fork steerers. Because headset standards vary between manufacturers, we recommend confirming your bike’s SHIS (Standardized Headset Identification System) specifications before ordering to ensure the correct fit.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing bike or completing a custom build, the Limited Edition Desert Sage Cerakote ZS44 | ZS44 Threadless Headset delivers premium American-made performance with an exclusive finish that won’t be around forever.

Pre-order now- September 18th, 2026. Everything will be made to order. Orders will ship 4/6 weeks after September 18th. No returns. 

Features

  • Limited Edition Desert Sage Cerakote finish
  • Precision CNC-machined in Petaluma, California
  • Designed for ZS44 | ZS44 headset applications
  • Compatible with straight 1-1/8-inch (28.6mm) fork steerers
  • 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: 4mm
  • Weight

Compatibility

  • A perfect match to our really sweet matching headset spacers, available separately
  • The ZS44│ZS44 headset is designed to fit frames with straight 44mm head tubes and straight 1-⅛” (28.6mm) fork steerers
  • 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.  The “44” stands for the 44mm “skirt” that presses into the head tube.
  • SHIS specification
    • Upper: ZS44/28.6
    • Lower: ZS44/30
      • Can accommodate one style of fork steerer:
        • “Straight 1-⅛” with a 30mm 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

     

     

     

     

  • Compatible with Ritchey carbon 1-1/8″ steerer forks with integrated crown races (not tapered steerer forks)
    • Must call to purchase additional bearing part #ACB45451125TSS which replaces the stock bearing and crown race
      • WCS road fork SKU 34356117005
      • WCS road fork SKU 34356117006
      • WCS Adventure Gravel fork SKU 34556117012
      • WCS Gravel Cross fork SKU 34556117010
  • Not compatible with other carbon forks with integrated crown races

Bearings

Headset Model  

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

Lower Fork Race Compatibility

ZS44│EC44

ACB3645SS 36/45 ACB3645SS 36/45

1-⅛” (30mm)

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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