How to get ±5 mm Reach

Fine-tune your ride like never before

Do you want to make your bike longer for high-speed stability, or shorter for tighter control in technical terrain? With our Freakynuts Reach Adjust Headset (+/-5 mm), you can customize your bike’s reach—without changing your frame Cheometrics or stem. Here’s how to install it, step by step.

Why ±5 mm Makes a Big Difference

+5 mm = longer reach = more stability at speed
-5 mm = shorter reach = more agile, playful ride

Perfect for downhill, freeride, enduro or park setups.

Who Is This Reach Adjust Headset For?

Many of our customers choose this ±10 mm reach adjust headset because:

They’ve outgrown their frame and want a bit more/Less room on their bike without buying a new bike
Their current frame feels just a bit too long and needs a shorter reach for better control
They’re setting up a youth bike where the rider is between sizes—like a kid between size S and M
They want to experiment with reach before committing to a new frame or expensive stem combo

This makes it perfect for:
✅ Riders growing fast (especially teens)
✅ Riders between frame sizes
✅ Riders tweaking their bike for specific terrain
✅ Bike shops looking for a clever bike fit solution

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What You’ll Need

Our ±5 mm Reach Adjust Headset kit
Compatible bike frame with ZS56/ZS56 or other supported head tube standard
Press tool or soft mallet
Allen keys
Headset grease
Measuring tape or string
Permanent marker or centerline tool

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1️⃣ Remove Your Old Headset

Take out your old upper and lower headset cups
Remove the crown race from the fork
Clean the head tube thoroughly
Make sure bearing seats are smooth and undamaged

2️⃣ Mark the Head Tube Centerline

Use a straight edge or string to find the vertical center of the head tube
Mark it with a fine tip marker—this will be your reference line in case your frame is not marked with a center point

3️⃣ Understand the Cup Offset

Each headset cup has an offset center:

Align the slots on the cup with the head tube centerline for a neutral position
Rotate the cup forward (thin side facing forward) for +5 mm reach
Rotate it backward (thick side facing forward) for -5 mm reach

4️⃣ Install the Lower Cup

Grease the outside of the cup
Align it to your desired offset (+5 mm, -5 mm)
Use a headset press or soft mallet to seat it evenly
Double-check that the offset direction is correct before fully pressing it in

5️⃣ Install the Upper Cup

Repeat the same process for the upper cup
Make sure both cups are flush with the frame
The offset between upper and lower cups can be combined if desired

6️⃣ Install Fork and Bearings

Install the crown race on your fork
Grease and insert the bearings into each cup
Slide the fork into the frame
Add compression ring, dust cap, and stem spacers
Tighten the headset preload bolt until there’s no play, but smooth rotation

7️⃣ Test and Adjust

Turn the handlebars to check for smooth movement
Go for a short ride and test the new reach

Tips from the Trail

+5 mm reach works great for stability in downhill and high-speed enduro
-5 mm reach helps with technical switchbacks, dirt jumping, or park riding
Combine with shorter or longer stems for even more tuning

Ready to Ride Smarter?

Buy your Reach Adjust Headset now

Not Included: upper & lower offset cups, bearings, compression ring, dust cap, crown race. Made in Germany. CNC Machined for Precision fit. Lifetime performance.

Compatible With:

Forks with 1 1/8” steerer tubes
Frames with ZS56/ZS56 head tubes
Most trail, enduro, DH and freeride frames (check specs before ordering)

For custom setups, DM us or email via the Contact page. We’re happy to help you dial in the perfect reach.

How to Install a Reach Adjust Headset