{"product_id":"cane-creek-hellbender-70-zs44-ec44-headset","title":"Cane Creek Hellbender 70 Headset — ZS44\/28.6 Upper + EC44\/40 Lower (Tapered Fork Compatible)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cane Creek Hellbender 70 is a mid-range, long-life headset designed to sit between Cane Creek’s 40 Series and 110 Series. It uses the same stainless Hellbender bearings found in the premium 110 line, but packaged at a more approachable price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specific version is built for frames with a 44mm head tube top and bottom, paired with a tapered fork (1-1\/8\" to 1.5\" steerer).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Functional Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete headset (upper + lower assemblies included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper: Zero Stack ZS44 \/ 28.6mm steerer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLower: External Cup EC44 \/ 40mm crown race\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePremium stainless steel Hellbender cartridge bearings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6061-T6 machined aluminum cups and covers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-friction upper bearing seal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDouble-lip lower bearing seal for wet \/ dirty conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright-dip anodized finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned to bridge durability between Cane Creek 40 and 110 Series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility \u0026amp; Technical Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrame head tube: 44mm top AND 44mm bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFork steerer: Tapered (1-1\/8\" upper \/ 1.5\" lower)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpper SHIS: ZS44\/28.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLower SHIS: EC44\/40\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires 40mm crown race (included)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot compatible with straight 1-1\/8\" forks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot compatible with 52mm lower head tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for modern MTB, gravel, and adventure frames using 44mm head tubes\u003cbr\u003eIncludes Stem Cap and Star Nut\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService \/ Ownership Context\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis headset uses sealed stainless bearings and aggressive lower sealing for extended service life. Cups must be pressed using a headset press. Crown race must be installed using a proper race setter. Bearings are replaceable when worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFit \u0026amp; Use Signals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood Fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frames with 44mm head tubes running tapered forks, riders wanting near-110 durability without 110 pricing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot A Fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Straight steerer forks, frames with 52mm lower head tubes, or integrated headset frames.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: none;\" data-ai=\"mechanic-insight\"\u003eThis is ZS44 upper + EC44 lower — NOT IS and NOT 52mm. Top presses inside the frame, bottom presses outside. Requires tapered fork with 40mm crown seat. Biggest customer mistake is assuming all “44” headsets are the same — they’re not. If fork is straight 1-1\/8, this won’t work. Hellbender bearings are stainless — noticeably longer life in wet riding. Lower seal is excellent for MTB and gravel. Install requires headset press + crown race tool. If customer doesn’t know their head tube ID, measure before ordering. Common confusion: EC44 still uses 44mm frame bore — cup just sits externally. Good upgrade from 40 Series when customers ride year-round.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Cane Creek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075237601594,"sku":"CC-HB70-ZS44EC44","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5735\/8394\/files\/HB70_ZS44_EC44_BAA1187K_3_png.webp?v=1771864336","url":"https:\/\/gograva.com\/products\/cane-creek-hellbender-70-zs44-ec44-headset","provider":"Grava Adventure Corporation","version":"1.0","type":"link"}