I bought a new frameset which I want to use as an all-road-bike: A Time ADHX.
This is going to be my first dive into integrated headset routing, and I’m a bit lost.
I want to use a traditional stem and handlebar combo, no one-piece-cockpit. I currently use a 360mm Pro PLT bar, which I will probably keep, depending on the result of a bike fit in a few weeks.
The frameset came with a FSA SRS headset, which features a singular, pretty big hole in the headset cover. To me personally it looks like this would allow the ingress of dirt and water, so I’m open to explore different options.
I found the DEDA DCR System, where I figured I would need the appropiate size superbox stem, the headset cover and probably a new “top half” of the headset.
I also stumbled onto the recently featured Cane Creek HCR system, which is probably so new that nobody here has any experience with it. It looks like I would need to buy the whole headset (no “top only” available), and the matching stem is not a necessity, but would make it look even cleaner.
Is there anything I need to look out for to make sure the headset is compatible with the frame? I’m going to use an Ultegra DI2 groupset, so I only need to route the two brake hoses.
Any recommendations between the two (or a vote for the FSA SRS system)?
Note the FSA solution routes hoses through the stem so changing the stem would require cutting the hoses.
With the Superbox you can get a new Deda DCR headset (IS52 standard) to match the stem or consider a 3D printed headset cover for the headset you already have that then mates with the stem you choose. This site is operated by a fellow EC member: Headset Covers – AProto Bike . The Superbox solution routes hoses outside the stem so future stem swaps are much easier.
If I understand this one correctly it would also route the cables only under the stem, so I could in theory remove or even swap the stem without cutting hoses, right?
Because if that’s not possible I’d avoid this system.
Yes, you can route the hoses under the stem through the shroud so stem swaps are possible without cutting hoses. You would pretty much be restricted to the same model stem in a different length because of the shroud, though.
Drew, I am looking at this stem for a new bike build, can I ask you a favor? Would you be willing to measure the stack height of the stem clamp area, and then also the stack height of the cable shroud that goes underneath it? I haven’t been able to find this info anywhere. The FSA website gives a 33.5mm stack height, but I can’t believe that includes the shroud.
Sorry but I don’t actually own this stem, I was just pulling images I found online. I would believe FSA’s 33.5 mm number for the stem itself because the clamp does seem just a bit shorter than your standard 40 mm stem. As for the shroud, you may be able to scale it off of this other photo I found:
I own an ADHX. I had it built up in Jan 2023 with the DCR SuperBox stem. I only got caught in the rain once on the bike, and never sprayed water near the stem when washing it, but the bearings never lasted more that a few months without getting gritty. After 2 years I switched to the Deda Alanera RS combo with CS SLT bearings - the best decision I ever made.
I would seriously consider not using that type of stem. With or without a one piece bar, every time you need to swap or clean the headset bearings, you will have to unthread the brake hoses completely from the bars. But, you need to know this, the SuperBox type of stem is a literal suction device for grit and humid air into the headset bearings. you will end up with way more bearing wear on this type of stem compared to 100% external hoses or fully internal with a one piece bar/stem combo.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
An integrated handlebar is not something I’m looking to get at this point, so now I am seriously considering the Cane Creek HCR system, which should be sealed better…
