Cannondale Lefty / Headshok Serviceability (Pre 2019)

After many successful years supporting the older models of the Lefty / Headshok brand, unfortunately for many factors far beyond our control, the serviceability and commercial viability of servicing the older models of Lefty and Headshok has become increasingly difficult. With non-existent supply of several major spare parts, many of which were discontinued from circulation less than 5 years after the first 'new' products hit the shelves, our ability to provide the highest level of service and support to these models has diminished. From scoring global sites around the world for stocks, and sourcing new and used parts from third party suppliers, the desire to continue strongly supporting the older models has always been strong. However, it does take its toll and inevitably with some products ageing into their 30's, and many others just simply no longer supported, we have taken the difficult decision to slow down the intake of older Cannondale Lefty and Headshok models for service. Over time, we will offer our service options for models from 2019 onwards only, including the Lefty Ocho that marks the '8th' generation of the Lefty chassis. 

For older Headshok forks using the 26" standard, and a Quick Release 9mm front end - we still have your back with the following great upgrade options to keep your trusty steed on the trails (Disc only). Coming with a 2 year warranty, these 27.5" RockShox forks are a great alternative to servicing or attempting to service an older worn Headshok unit, and will mildly slacken the headtube angle by about a degree - not a bad thing given how steep they were to start with. 

RockShox Recon 27.5

 

Headset Conversion Options: (To allow use of conventional fork with Straight Steerer) 

• KP058/ - Cannondale Frames with Headshok Headtube using removable alloy cups. (stock drying up as of 13/1/26) 
• HD232/ - Cannondale Frames with 1.5 Headtube that do not have any recess for bearing or cup in Headtube. (stock drying up as of 13/1/26) 
• ZS49/28.6 Upper Cup Set - Funn (Suits Cannondale frames in place of QHDST/EBO Headshok cups) TOP only
• ZS49/30 Lower Cup Set - Funn (Suits Cannondale frames in place of QHDST/EBO Headshok cups) BOTTOM only. 
• Stem - (any 1 1/8" stem wil suit, just be sure to check handlebar diameter which could be 25.4 for earlier models, or 31.8 for more recent models). 

Headset Conversion Options: (To allow use of conventional fork with Tapered Steerer) 

• KP205/ - Cannondale Frames (sits in place of traditional Cannondale HD169/ bearings) 
• K35019 - Cannondale Frames (sits in place of traditional Cannondale HD169/ bearings). Has 12mm tall lower cup, Suited for 100mm fork use.
• ZS49/28.6 Upper Cup Set - Funn (Suits Cannondale frames in place of Headshok) TOP only
• EC49/40 Lower Cup Set - Funn (Suits Cannondale frames in place of Headshok) BOTTOM only. Best for 100mm fork use as it has a taller lower cup) 
• Stem - (any 1 1/8" stem wil suit, just be sure to check handlebar diameter which could be 25.4 for earlier models, or 31.8 for more recent models). 

For older Lefty forks, there is still some degree of serviceability, but it really is limited from our perspective - ie, when we service an older lefty unit, it involves 3 key steps. 1) Telescope deconstruction and service with new needle bearings and races (many of which are no longer available) and boot replacement, 2) Damper deconstruction and service with all new seals, and finally 3), air spring service including all new seals and bumpers. Many of the items mentioned are long gone, but not all. That's what we mean by the serviceability being 'limited'. 

For 26" Lefty models, replacement with a conventional fork is a great way to improve the bike's performance, and retain using the frame for years to come. It does mean you would be up for a new front wheel though. 

Or, you can consider the following Lefty Ocho in 27.5", headset conversion, and hub adaptor to suit. 

• Lefty Ocho 27.5 (was never made in 26") 
• K35019 Headset - Cannondale Frames (sits in place of traditional Cannondale HD169/ bearings). Has 12mm tall lower cup, Suited for 100mm fork use.
• Hub/Rotor Spacer 5mm (for use on Lefty 1.0 hubs that have a 50mm flange spacing) 
• Stem - (any 1 1/8" stem wil suit, just be sure to check handlebar diameter which could be 25.4 for earlier models, or 31.8 for more recent models). 

 

For 27.5" Lefty models, these were typically 120mm or longer, and therefore a conventional fork conversion would be recommended. In a few examples, a 27.5 100mm fork was specified (Lefty 2.0), and in these cases, the Lefty Ocho as below is a great upgrade. 

Lefty 2.0 27.5" (2015-2018) 100mm

• Lefty Ocho 27.5 
• K35019 Headset - Cannondale Frames (sits in place of traditional Cannondale HD169/ bearings). 
• No spacer needed for the hub, as Lefty 2.0 hubs have the required 60mm flange spacing) 
• Stem - (any 1 1/8" stem of appropriate length will suit)

 

LEFTY 29" 

• Traditional fork of your choice
• K35019 Headset - Cannondale Frames (sits in place of traditional Cannondale HD169/ bearings). 
• New hub or wheel to suit 

 

If any of the above raises any questions for you, and or you're unsure of suitability or compatibility, or serviceability of your Lefty / headshok, please reach out and we'll do our best to get you sorted.