IS42-IS52 Headset

IS42/IS52 Headset

$137.00

The White Industries IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset combines precision machining, premium Enduro stainless steel bearings, and a split crown race for smooth steering and easy service. Made in Petaluma, California..

SKU: is42is52
Category:

Description

The White Industries IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset delivers smooth steering, lasting durability, and timeless style for modern bicycles. We machine, polish, engrave, and inspect every headset in our Petaluma, California facility. As a result, every headset delivers the premium craftsmanship and dependable performance riders have trusted for decades.

For more than 30 years, White Industries has designed components that prioritize precision, reliability, and serviceability. The IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset continues that tradition with premium materials, thoughtful engineering, and a clean, refined design built to last.

Every headset features premium Enduro stainless steel angular contact bearings. These bearings provide smooth, consistent steering in all riding conditions. They are also fully replaceable, making routine maintenance quick and helping extend the life of your headset.

The IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset also features our split crown race design. You can install and remove it by hand without specialized tools. As a result, future maintenance is fast and straightforward. In addition, every headset receives precision machine engraving—not laser etching—to create the clean, premium finish that has become a White Industries signature.

The White Industries IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset is designed for frames with integrated 42mm upper and 52mm lower head tubes. It is compatible with tapered 1-1/2-inch (40mm) fork steerers. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for many modern road, gravel, and mountain bikes that use an integrated tapered headset.

Because headset standards vary between manufacturers, we recommend confirming your bike’s SHIS (Standardized Headset Identification System) specifications before placing your order. Taking a moment to verify compatibility helps ensure the correct fit the first time.

Whether you’re replacing a worn headset or completing a custom bike build, the White Industries IS42 | IS52 Threadless Headset delivers smooth steering, premium craftsmanship, and American-made quality built to last.

Features

  • Precision CNC-machined in Petaluma, California
  • Designed for IS42 | IS52 integrated headset applications
  • Compatible with tapered 1-1/2-inch (40mm) 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: 1mm
  • Weight

Compatibility

  • A perfect match to our really sweet matching headset spacers, available separately
  • The IS42│IS52 headset is designed to fit frames with integrated tapered 42mm top/52mm bottom head tubes and tapered 1-1/2″ (40mm) fork steerers
  • The “IS” stands for “Integrated System” meaning the bearings drop directly into the head tube, without the traditional style “headset cup” that would press into the frame, and the “42”and “52” refer to the outer diameter of the upper and lower bearings, respectively.
  • SHIS specification
    • Upper: IS42/28.6
    • Lower: IS52/40
  • 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 33.9mm to 33.95mm
    Fork steerer diameter top section 28.45mm to 28.6mm
    Crown race seat diameter for “ 1-½”tapered 39.79mm to 39.85mm

Bearings

Headset Model  

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

Lower Fork Race Compatibility

IS42│IS52

 ACB36451125SS 36/45 ACB6808CCSS 36/45

1-1/2” (40mm)

What's In The Box

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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