Crank Brothers Sage SL Directset

direct set (freeride)

The same team that brought you the Mallet and 5050 pedals have turned their attention to headsets. The Crank Brothers Sage SL 1 1/8 Directset omits the standard headset cup and replaces it with flanges incorporated directly onto the bearing itself. This lowers the stack-hieght of the Sage SL Directset to an industry best 21mm, an ideal match for todays long travel downhill bikes.

The Sage SL Directset's outer races are formed from rust free stainless steel so it will keep on looking great for years. This is handy because that is how long the headset will last. On the Sage range the bearing flanges are made extra long, allowing them to be inserted deep into the headtube to transmit loads over a greater area. Meanwhile the bearings themselves are custom made, 34 ball, full complement (max) bearings both top and bottom for maximum strength. Crank brothers are so confident in the strength of this design that they offer a full 5 year warranty on the bearings in all of their Directsets.

• weight - 66g


• size - 1 1/8in.


• stack height - 21mm including crown race


• material - 440c stainless steel lower


• upper bearings - sealed 34-ball max


• lower bearings - sealed 34-ball max


• warranty - 5years