Invented more than 20 years ago and patented by John Rader, the threadless headset has been one of the most durable and significant patents in the industry. It's been lucrative for Rader and for Cane Creek Cycling Components, which owns the rights to the headset and has been licensing it to manufacturers.

When was Aheadset invented?

'We filed the patent for the Aheadset in 1990 and it was granted in 1992,' says Cane Creek's vice president of sales, Peter Gilbert. 'I first saw the product as a prototype on inventor John Radar's bike at the 1989 mountain bike World Champs.

Who invented the Aheadset?

The tale of the first threadless headset

A 20-something kid named John Rader walked through the pits, showing his invention–a completely new headset design–to anyone who'd have a look.