Threaded Headsets

Could someone please explain how i would go about selecting a threaded headset for a frame and fork I have? Any good recommendations on where to get a new one.

I have measured the stack height of the old one to be 38mm (i think)

measure the assembled bottom part and add it to the assembled top half, neglecting the bit which will be inside the steerer.

Is that correct?

Yep - that sounds right.

I guess it depends what your budget is? I've used Tange Levin headsets a few times on cheaper builds and have had no problems at all. On the other end of the scale is Chris King I reckon.

im definitely at the Tange scale rather than the Chris King. The old one looks like this

but has needle roller bearings in it.

Is the bike already fitted with a particular brand of parts? Age/value of bike?

I bought a Campagnolo Record from Parker recently for £43 which is a great buy. It was recommended that this headset should always have the headtube faced first FWIW. I'd avoid Shiny Bikes who have similar prices.

i think they bike is from the 90s, its nothing special, a 531 touring frame

Can I ask why you've decided to go for theaded, I'm trying to make the decision of threaded or threadless and I could do with a bit more info?

because my fork is threaded, i didnt know that was an option

It's not - the steerer would need to clear the headtube by way more than 38mm as it would need to go through the headset AND the stem clamp area and then probably a little more for spacers etc.

Those Stronglight headsets are great, I have them on 2 of my bikes and never had a problem, much better option than the cheap Tange ones.

im definitely at the Tange scale rather than the Chris King. The old one looks like this

but has needle roller bearings in it.

Do you mean the old one with the needle rollers is good or the new version with cartridge bearings is good?

both / either