Reviews of FSA Orbit XL-II Headset
Great, solid headset!
Pros
Solid and smooth action. After 2 years of hard riding, including rain and mud and below zero temps, this headset still feels new.
Cons
None that I can see. it is a little bulky, but so what.
Works Great
Pros
works great, well sealed should last a long time.
Cons
none unless if for some reason you do not like the color which is trivial.
Used on niner jet 9
Pros
No problems so far
Cons
none
Excellent product
Pros
Good product. Easy installation
Cons
None
Good headset
Pros
Nice unit. Well made. Light. No seal on lower bearing. If you ride in nasty conditions may be something to consider. There isn't a whole lot of options for an affordable 44/56 headset.
Cons
No lower bearing seal
didn't solve my problem
Pros
simple install
Cons
creaked
Other Thoughts
oem cane creek series 40 w/faced headtube, creaked like a rocking chair. this headset creaked less. purchased a tapered fork and chris king I7 headset and creak is gone. I think this is a good headset but it just didn't work for me.
Works good so far
Pros
Install easy enough
Looks
Functions well
Smooth operation
Cons
None
Other Thoughts
Can't say anything negative because I haven't had enough time with it. I bought it to replace a FSA PIG and wanted something that would seal better. FSA has been good to me in the past, so I bumped up to this Orbit. Install was easy, smooth operation. We will see in a while if it holds up.
Decent Budget Headset
Pros
It works.
Cartridge bearings=cleaner fork service.
Cons
Poor sealing.
Other Thoughts
I bought this as a stock replacement for my 2014 Giant Anthem 3, because I was in a hurry and needed something I knew would fit. I bought the bike used. It had been ridden regularly for one season. After buying the bike I gave it a thorough inspection and found the original headset (exact same FSA unit) bearings to be rusted inside and out.
I replaced them and now about 3 months later I took the fork off for a service and found rust on the outside of the bearing races. The inside of the bearings have not been corrupted yet, but its just a matter of time. I ride 2-3 times per week and wash my bike with garden hose and bucket of soapy water probably every 4 or 5 rides. I don't use a pressure washer or anything and I don't directly blast the headset with water. The sealing is just sub par (especially on the lower bearing). Water will make it's way in eventually.
Compared to something like a Cane Creek Forty (which is a beautifully designed, engineered, and machined) this headset seems functional yet disposable. And that falls right in line with the price, so I'm not surprised.
When this one has seen its last ride (in about a year from now) I will probably spring for something a little nicer that will last the useable life of the bike.
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