Although Benson’s cupped King in ti is testament to the resilience of swapping it to multiple frames, I’ve had enough successful swapping at least 3 King headsets with alu cups between a multitude of frames, that I think ti really didn’t solve a existing problem for those few bikers that did swap ‘regularly’. Titanium in the application in this Drop-set is by no means comparable, as there are no cups. I’d even argue there is no added value – except bragging rights – for titanium headset parts as are used in the Drop-set. The bearings are similar, so no performance or durability gains there. I’m a fan of their durability, but ti adds nothing but price and bragging rights. Oh well, to each their own.

Is that supposed to be a critique? Because in no way does Benson e.g. claim that the two headsets work in the same manner when it comes to bearing related issues. The point of reviewing the other version is to highlight the durability of the titanium headset, to make a case for the quality CK workmanship. Sure it’s a sample of one but at least it’s based on 20(!) years of personal experience, and the review does not claim to be anymore than that.

The crown race will be lighter if it’s titanium. The rest no.