Originally Posted by
Bobby Lex
Here's how Trek describes it (from their website):
"Net Molded bearing race places the 1.5 inch bearing directly on the carbon crown race seat, removing the need for a traditional metal bearing race seat".
I'm not sure what this means exactly. If it is as you describe, it sounds o.k. But if the bearings actually sit and roll on a carbon race inside the headtube......
Bob
It is a bit confusing but I still think they use cartridge bearings and the actual races are part of the cartridge.
"Integrated" headsets do just that and the bearing cartridges sit in pockets machined into the headtube and right on the frame material.
"Zero stack" headsets had shallow cups pressed into flairs machined into the head tube and maybe those are the "metal bearing race seats" Trek is referring to.
In both cases the balls don't really touch the frame material itself.
I hope my explanation is right. If not then I certainly agree with your alarm.