Bicycle Mechanics - Cane Creek Aheadset (Scattante XRL frame) Reversible?

Doing some work on a friend's bike. I took the headset apart to clean and re-lube and the lower bearing is in pretty bad shape, with the bearing race lightly notched from wear. I will recommend to him that he replaces it, but I'm almost certain that he won't do it since this coming year he plans to get a whole new bike and his bike-budget is pointed in that direction rather than upkeeping his old bike.... So for now I'd like to at least get it cleaned up and re-greased so that he can ride it through the winter until his upgrade.

Looking at the bearings, it appears that the upper and lower bearings are exactly the same. As would be expected, the lower (weight bearing) bearings are in worse shape than the upper ones, and I'm thinking about exchanging them top to bottom so that the less notched bearing will be on the bottom. Both bearings will be cleaned out and re-packed before assembly.

Is this a good idea? I'm not terribly familiar with headset terminology, but this appears to be an integrated headset where the top and bottom of the head-tube has a straight section as well as a 45 degree angled section, and again, appear to be the exact same shape/dimensions as each other.

-Jeremy

Appearances are one thing, actual measurements are what matters.

This an Integrated headset, or external, pressed in Races?

Generally, the top and bottom bearings are interchangable so you could put the former top on the bottom. This isn't a universal truth so try it first by switching them, reassembling the headset and see it it all fits and turns smoothly.