Best Bike Headsets for Mountain Bikes of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Mountain bikers know that their bike's headset is an essential component that affects their ride quality and performance. Bike headsets for mountain bikes come in different types and sizes, including threaded, threadless, integrated, and semi-integrated. Some headsets have sealed bearings that offer better protection against dirt and water, while others are designed for maximum durability and strength. Riders can also choose between tapered or straight steerer tubes, depending on their preferences. Whatever type of headset they choose, mountain bikers can be sure that it will have a significant impact on their ride, making it smoother, more stable, and more comfortable.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BUCKLOS Bike Headset Cover #TOP 1
BUCKLOS Bike Headset
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Yosoo Aluminum Alloy Headset Cover #TOP 2
Yosoo Aluminum Alloy Headset
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dubbs Hardware MTB Headset Top Cap Cover #TOP 3
Dubbs Hardware MTB Headset Top Cap
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bike Headsets for Mountain Bikes

#TOP 1

BUCKLOS Bike Headset

KMUS700505-326915-34-34mm-Black
34-34mm-Black
34-34mm
BUCKLOS Bike Headset Cover
BUCKLOS 1-1/8 Bike Headset MTB Threadless 34 44 44-50.6 44-55 44-56 41.8-52mm, Straight Tapered Tube Mountain Bikes Road Bicycle Double Sealed Bearings Headsets, for Frame Fork Expander Plug Star Nut

BUCKLOS Headset is a high-quality bike accessory designed to enhance your riding experience. Equipped with double-sealed bearings, it ensures smoother handling and easier maintenance. The easy installation saves you time and effort, providing excellent value for money. The included headset expander plug supports the fragile upper edge of the steering tube, securely connecting the front fork to the stem. BUCKLOS Headset is a trustworthy brand that offers unbeatable prices, making it a great gift for cycling enthusiasts.

What We Like
Double-sealed bearings
Easy installation
Supports steering tube
#TOP 2

Yosoo Aluminum Alloy Headset

Yosoo Health Gearrtdpvxa67s189-01
Yosoo Aluminum Alloy Headset Cover
Headset, Aluminum Alloy Mountain Headsets Bearings, 34mm Headset Headset Cycling Headset Replacement for 28.6mm Straight Steerer Fork Bearing

The Yosoo Headset is designed for cyclists who value durability and performance. Its aluminum alloy construction ensures that it can withstand tough rides while providing lasting stability. Thanks to precise CNC machining, you can expect high accuracy and a product that resists wear and tear, giving you confidence on every ride. This headset is compatible with various bike setups, allowing you to easily upgrade or replace worn parts without hassle. Additionally, its user-friendly installation process means you can quickly swap out your old headset and get back to enjoying the road.

What We Like
Durable aluminum alloy construction
High accuracy machining
Compatible with various setups
Easy installation
#TOP 3

Dubbs Hardware MTB Headset Top Cap

3726e9316
Black Shut Up Legs
Standard
Dubbs Hardware MTB Headset Top Cap Cover
Dubbs Hardware MTB Headset Top Cap 1-1/8" Aluminum Bike Stem Cap – Custom Threadless Top Cap for Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Bicycle Headsets, and MTB Stem Caps - (Black Shut Up Legs)

The Dubbs MTB Top Cap lets you personalize your bicycle with style. Designed for standard 1-1/8” stems, it fits most mountain and road bikes effortlessly. Its durable aluminum construction means you can rely on it for long-lasting performance without adding extra weight to your ride. You can choose from a variety of sleek designs, making it easy to upgrade the look of your bike while enjoying the benefits of a secure and functional headset cap. This product is perfect for those looking to enhance their biking experience with a touch of individuality.

What We Like
Customizable designs
Durable aluminum material
Fits most bike stems
Lightweight construction
#TOP 4

KIEVODE 6 PCS Bike Headset Star Nut 1-1/8 Inch

XXLM01
Black
26mm*16mm
KIEVODE 6 PCS Bike Headset Star Nut 1-1/8 Inch Cover
KIEVODE 6 PCS Bike Headset Star Nut - Universal Accessories for Forks 1-1/8 Inch 28.6mm for Mountain Bicycle Road Bicycle MTB

The KIEVODE Bike Headset Nut is designed to fit perfectly on bikes with a 1-1/8 inch fork diameter, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Made from high-strength steel, it offers durability and can handle heavy use, ensuring your bike stays reliable over time. Its sleek black finish not only looks great but also keeps the nut lightweight, so it won’t add extra weight to your bike. This versatile headset nut works well for mountain bikes, road bikes, and more, making it a handy upgrade or replacement part for any bike owner.

What We Like
Perfect fit for 1-1/8 inch forks
High-strength steel durability
Lightweight and stylish design
Compatible with various bike types
#TOP 5

X AUTOHAUX 34mm Threadless Headset

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Black
X AUTOHAUX 34mm Threadless Headset Cover
X AUTOHAUX 34mm 1-1/8" Threadless Bicycle Headset Combo Bike Threadless External Headset Sealed Cartridge Bearings MTB Road Headset with Top Cap Bk

The X AUTOHAUX Headset is designed for a front fork tube diameter of 1-1/8 inches, making it a versatile choice for various bikes, including mountain and road bikes. Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, this headset ensures longevity and resilience against wear. It features a threadless design that incorporates two smooth sealed cartridge bearings, providing a seamless riding experience. This means you can enjoy a smoother ride with less maintenance, allowing you to focus more on your cycling adventures.

What We Like
Durable aluminum alloy construction
Smooth sealed cartridge bearings
Compatible with various bikes
Threadless design for easy installation
#TOP 6

Generic 4pcs 40mm x 20 Ball Bearing for Bicycle Headsets

Generic
ZXCQZZC001
silver
40.5mm
Generic 4pcs 40mm x 20 Ball Bearing for Bicycle Headsets Cover
4pcs 40mm x 20 Ball Bearing 5/32“Ball Bearing Accessories Ball Headsets Bearing Bicycle Handlebar Bead Frame Bicycle Front Fork Bicycle Accessories

The Generic Bike Ball Bearings are designed to fit headsets with an inner diameter of 32mm, making them a practical choice for many bicycles. With 20 high-quality steel balls in each cage, these bearings offer durable performance and smooth rotation for your bike’s front fork. Their size, including an outer diameter of about 40.5mm and ball diameter of 4mm, should be carefully checked to ensure compatibility with your bike. These bearings come pre-lubricated to resist corrosion and extend their lifespan, but adding extra lubricant during installation can help them last even longer. Overall, they provide reliable and easy-to-use replacements for various bike types.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Pre-lubricated for corrosion resistance
Fits 32mm headset parts
Includes 20 balls per cage
Easy installation
#TOP 7

ZTTO 4444S 44mm MTB Bike Headset

Black
44/44
ZTTO 4444S 44mm MTB Bike Headset Cover
ZTTO Bike Headset, MTB 44mm ZS44 1-1/8" 28.6mm Straight Tube Fork Mountain Road Bike Frame Low Profile Semi-Integrated, 4444S (Black)

The ZTTO MTB Headset is designed to help you upgrade your bike by allowing a tapered fork to fit a 44mm frame originally made for straight tubes. This means you can easily enhance your bike’s versatility without replacing the entire frame. Built specifically for mountain bikes, it uses a precise semi-integrated system that fits smoothly with your setup, ensuring reliable and efficient performance. Installation is straightforward, saving you time and effort, so you can get back on the trail faster. Made from durable CNC machined aluminum with sealed bearings, this headset is lightweight yet strong, offering long-lasting use for your rides.

What We Like
Versatile compatibility
Mountain bike specific design
Easy installation
Durable CNC aluminum build
#TOP 8

Lotatheta 9 Sizes Bike Ball Bearing Retainer Set

Silver
9 sizes
Lotatheta 9 Sizes Bike Ball Bearing Retainer Set Cover
Lotatheta 5 Sets Each 9 Sizes Bike Ball Bearing Headset Retainer Crank Caged Wheel 4mm to 8mm / 1/6” to 1/3“ Repair Accessories Silver

The Lotatheta Bike Ball Bearings are a versatile set designed to fit various types of bikes, including mountain, road, scooter, and foldable bikes. This makes it easier for you to find the right replacement bearings for different riding needs. The set includes nine different sizes, ensuring you have the perfect fit no matter what your bike requires. Made from high-quality steel, these bearings are built to last and provide reliable performance, helping your bike run smoothly. Whether you are repairing or upgrading, this set offers convenience by covering a wide range of sizes in one package.

What We Like
Wide bike compatibility
Multiple bearing sizes
Durable high-quality steel
Complete replacement set
#TOP 9

ZTTO MTB 44mm CNC Bike Headset Adapter

Black
44mm
ZTTO MTB 44mm CNC Bike Headset Adapter Cover
ZTTO Bike Headset, MTB 44mm ZS44 EC44 CNC 1 1/8"-1 1/2" Straight Tube Frame to Tapered Tube Fork 1.5 Adapter Headset (Black)

The ZTTO Bike Headset Adapter is a smart upgrade for your mountain bike, especially if you want to fit a tapered fork on a straight tube frame originally sized at 44mm. This adapter boosts your bike's flexibility, allowing you to customize your ride more easily. It’s designed with precision for mountain biking, using a thin, semi-integrated system that ensures smooth compatibility and performance. Installation is straightforward, so you can save time and get back on the trail faster. Made from durable CNC-machined aluminum with sealed bearings, it promises long-lasting reliability and a lightweight feel, enhancing your riding experience.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
Mountain bike precision
Easy installation
Durable CNC aluminum
#TOP 10

ZTTO 4456ST MTB Threadless Bike Headset

Black
44/56
ZTTO 4456ST MTB Threadless Bike Headset Cover
ZTTO Bike Headset, 44mm 56mm MTB Threadless Sealed Bearing 45 Degree ZS44 ZS56 Tapered Straight Fork Steerer, 4456ST (Black)

The ZTTO MTB Headset is designed to fit frames with 44mm upper and 56mm lower sizes, allowing you to easily install a tapered fork on your bike. This expands your bike's compatibility and versatility for different riding styles. Tailored specifically for mountain bikes, it uses a precise 28.6mm semi-integrated system for smooth and reliable performance. Installation is straightforward, saving you time and effort so you can get back to riding faster. Made from durable CNC-machined AL6061 T6 aluminum and equipped with 45-degree sealed bearings, this headset offers long-lasting strength and smooth steering for a better riding experience.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
Mountain bike precision
Easy installation
Durable aluminum build
Sealed bearings
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do MTB headsets make a difference?

An upgraded headset, if you need it (and this is they key...if, not want), gives you smoother turning, greater durability in that the bearings are a higher grade, the sealing is usually better, and finally they are usually lower maintenance.

2. How do I know my bike headset size?

If you own a bike that has a threaded headset the sizes are always designated by the outer diameter of the steering column. Although this can be confusing because the head cups do not measure the particular standard. The threaded standards are known to be 1 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-1/4 inch headsets.

3. What is the headset on a mountain bike?

The headset is the set of components on a bicycle that provides a rotatable interface between the bicycle fork and the head tube of a bicycle frame. The tube through which the steerer of the fork passes is called the head tube.

Editor's Notes

During our bike headset for mountain bikes research, we found 24 bike headset for mountain bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,447 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike headsets for mountain bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike headsets for mountain bikes with an average price of $15.77.

The bike headsets for mountain bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike headsets for mountain bikes, including BUCKLOS, Yosoo Health Gear, Dubbs Hardware, KIEVODE, X AUTOHAUX. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 211 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.