Cane Creek 40 Series Bottom 49mm
40 Series Bottom 49mm
Cane Creek

Cane Creek 40 Series Bottom 49mm

In Stock

Durable Cane Creek 40-Series lower headset assembly (EC49/40) with sealed cartridge bearing and 49mm lower cup. Lightweight aluminum construction engineered for reliable, low‑maintenance performance on 1.5" mountain steerer systems.

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Available Options

Option Price Availability
Cane Creek, 40 Series, Headset Bottom Assembly, EC/49/40/H12/K, 76g — In Stock
Cane Creek, 40 Series, Headset Bottom Assembly, ZS/49/30/H4/K, 58g — In Stock

Product Details

Overview & Technology

Cane Creek's 40-Series Bottom (49mm) takes lessons from the flagship 110-Series to deliver a tough, lightweight lower headset assembly for external, threadless mountain headsets. The lower cup is machined from high-grade aluminum and finished in anodized black for corrosion resistance and consistent aesthetics across the 40-Series family. The assembly uses a sealed cartridge bearing for dependable rolling performance and long service intervals. Precision CNC machining, tight tolerances and consistent graphics make the 40-Series easy to mix-and-match with compatible tops and other Cane Creek parts, giving you a reliable lower (SHIS EC49/40) for frames that accept a 49mm external lower cup.

Key Features & Benefits

Purpose-built construction: The lower cup is aluminum for a balance of stiffness and low weight while the sealed cartridge bearing keeps contamination out and maintenance minimal. You get precise steering feel without constant service. • Sealed cartridge bearing: Low friction and long life under mud and grit typical of mountain riding. • EC49/40 SHIS standard: Fits frames with 49mm external lower cup and 40mm crown race diameter. • CNC-machined aluminum cup: Lightweight yet stiff for reliable headset preload and steering accuracy. • Interchangeable 40-Series parts: Mix with short/tall tops and other Cane Creek 40-Series components for over 40 configurations. • Finished for durability: Anodized black surface resists corrosion and matches modern frame palettes.

Fit, Installation & Compatibility

The 40 Series Bottom 49mm is specified as SHIS EC49/40 — that means the lower cup is 49mm external diameter and it accepts a 40mm crown race/bearing arrangement. It's intended for external, threadless headsets on forks with a 1-1/2" (1.5") lower steerer standard. This listing is for the lower assembly only; tops and full assemblies are sold separately. Installation requires a headset press (or appropriate arbor), correct crown race for your fork, and light grease on contact surfaces. Check frame documentation for EC49/40 compatibility and verify steerer diameter/stack requirements prior to purchase.

Who This Is For

This lower headset assembly is aimed at mountain riders, builders and mechanics who need a robust, serviceable lower cup that pairs with Cane Creek 40-Series tops. It's ideal for trail, all-mountain and enduro riders who want a dependable, low-maintenance headset without the premium price of the 110-Series. Also suited for workshop replacements and custom builds where matching SHIS standards and consistent visuals are important. If you need a durable lower cup for a 1.5" steerer with sealed bearings and straightforward installation, the 40-Series Bottom EC49/40 is a practical choice.

Key Features

  • ✓ Sealed cartridge bearing for reliable, low-maintenance performance
  • ✓ CNC-machined aluminum lower cup — light, stiff and corrosion-resistant
  • ✓ SHIS EC49/40 fitment for frames with 49mm external lower cups
  • ✓ Compatible with 40-Series tops for flexible short or tall stack options
  • ✓ External threadless design for modern mountain steerer standards
  • ✓ Precision engineered in Fletcher, NC for consistent quality and graphics
  • ✓ Multiple variants (ZS/49/30 and EC/49/40) to suit different fork interfaces

Specifications

Bearing Grade Sealed cartridge
Crown Race Diameter 40mm
Lower Cup 49mm
Headset Type External, Threadless
Material Aluminum
Primary Color Black
S.H.I.S. EC49/40
Steerer Tube 1-1/2''
Stack Height 12
Headset Position Lower
SHIS Lower EC49/40

Product Identifiers

Vendor Item # BAA0091K
UPC 840226094830

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EC49/40 mean and will it fit my frame?

EC49/40 is a SHIS designation: EC means external cup, 49 is the lower cup outer diameter in millimetres, and 40 is the bearing/crown race diameter. It fits frames designed for a 49mm external lower cup and a 40mm bearing — check your frame manufacturer's headset spec to confirm compatibility.

Is this product the full headset or just the lower cup?

This listing is the lower assembly only (headset bottom). Tops and full assemblies are sold separately so you can mix short or tall tops and create a full 40-Series headset tailored to your steerer and stack requirements.

What tools do I need for installation?

You should use a proper headset press to seat the lower cup squarely, the correct crown race for your fork, and standard bike grease for the bearing interfaces. A torque wrench for stem/top cap hardware and a bench vise or arbor set are helpful for precise, damage-free installation.

How often should I service the sealed cartridge bearing?

Sealed cartridge bearings require minimal service; in normal trail use inspect annually or if you notice play/roughness. In wet, muddy or salty conditions check more frequently — replace the cartridge once you detect roughness or free play, as sealed bearings are typically replaced rather than rebuilt.

How does the 40-Series compare to Cane Creek's 110-Series?

The 40-Series borrows design cues and build quality from the 110-Series but focuses on value. The 110-Series uses higher-spec bearings and materials for ultimate performance; the 40-Series delivers many of the same benefits (precision machining, interchangeable parts) at a lower price point suited for most riders.

Can I use this lower with a tapered steerer fork?

Yes — the lower cup accepts the same 40mm crown race/bearing interface regardless of whether the fork steerer is straight or tapered. Ensure the fork's crown race diameter is 40mm and that your upper/headset top is matched to the steerer and head tube standard.

Buying Guide

When choosing a headset lower assembly, first confirm your frame's SHIS standard — for this product look for EC49/40 (49mm external lower cup with 40mm crown race). Decide whether you need a lower-only part (for replacement) or a complete headset; Cane Creek 40-Series offers interchangeable tops in short and tall stack heights to match your stem and spacer setup. Consider ride environment: sealed cartridge bearings are best for riders who value low maintenance and straightforward replacement. If you demand highest-end bearings or rebuildability for racing, step up to the 110-Series. For most mountain applications the 40-Series hits the sweet spot between durability, performance and value.

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