Cane Creek 110 Series Top ZS44
Premium Cane Creek 110-Series ZS44 upper headset top with sealed cartridge bearings and CNC aluminum construction. Choose short (H8 ~52.9g) or tall (H15 ~60g) stack heights for precise, low-maintenance steering.
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Product Details
Overview & Technology
Key Features
Fit & Compatibility
Who It's For
Key Features
- ✓ Sealed cartridge bearings for smooth, low-maintenance steering performance
- ✓ CNC-machined aluminum cups with durable anodized finish for longevity
- ✓ ZeroStack ZS44/28.6 upper fit for frames with 44mm headtube bore
- ✓ Two stack-height options: H8 (short) ~52.9g and H15 (tall) ~60g
- ✓ Mix-and-match tops and bottoms for straight or tapered configurations
- ✓ Optimized seal profile to resist dust and moisture on trails
- ✓ Lightweight upper assembly ideal for weight-conscious mountain builds
Specifications
Product Identifiers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ZS44/28.6 mean and will this fit my bike?
ZS44/28.6 indicates a ZeroStack upper for frames with a 44mm headtube bore and a 28.6mm (1-1/8") steerer. Measure your frame's upper headtube bore and your fork steerer diameter—if they match, this top will fit. For tapered forks you must pair this top with the correct bottom assembly or conversion cup.
Can I use this top with a tapered 1.5" lower steerer?
Yes—if you pair this ZS44 upper with a compatible bottom assembly or conversion cup designed for your lower steerer (for example an EC or IS bottom that accepts a tapered fork). Cane Creek's 110-Series bottoms cover most lower-bore and steerer combinations.
How do sealed cartridge bearings compare to loose bearings?
Sealed cartridge bearings are preassembled, sealed units that require less maintenance and provide consistent preload and rotation compared with loose bearings. They are easier to replace when worn, but the cartridges themselves are typically not serviceable—swap the cartridge when performance declines.
Which stack height should I choose, H8 or H15?
Choose H8 (short) if you want a lower stack profile and minimal topcap protrusion; choose H15 (tall) if you need extra spacer height or prefer the taller cap for headset preload distribution. Check your stem clamp area and spacer availability to decide which gives the best bar height and cable routing.
Can I service or rebuild the bearings?
The 110-Series uses sealed cartridge bearings which are not intended to be disassembled for service. When bearings become gritty or loose, replace the cartridge units with Cane Creek replacement bearings to restore smooth operation.
What tools and torque specs are needed for installation?
Typical installation requires headset press tools or a shop press for cups, a crown race setter, and an Allen key for topcap preload. Tighten topcap preload bolts to the stem manufacturer's recommended torque—usually around 2–4 Nm for the compression bolt—and follow Cane Creek's installation instructions for cup press tolerances.
Buying Guide
When buying an upper headset top assembly, first verify your frame's headtube bore and steerer diameter—SHIS codes like ZS44/28.6 remove the guesswork. Decide whether you need a short or tall cap (H8 vs H15) based on spacer needs and stem clamp height. Sealed cartridge bearings are the easiest long-term choice for riders who prefer low maintenance and predictable steering feel. Also consider construction and finish: CNC-machined aluminum tops offer a strong, lightweight platform and a clean look. If your frame uses a tapered fork, plan the matching bottom assembly or conversion cup at the same time to ensure proper bearing alignment and preload. Finally, factor in replacement bearing availability so you can refresh the headset when needed instead of scrambling for parts down the road.
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