Originally Posted by
FastJake
No, I meant bottom bracket. The point I was trying to make (which must have been unclear) is that if a bottom bracket, which supports the weight of the entire rider pushing down on the pedals can be ok with less than the maximum amount of ball bearings, than surely a headset will also be ok with a few missing.
Bottom bracket bearings are 1/4"; headset bearings are 5/32" or (for better quality units) 3/16" -- this makes a significant difference in their ability to carry load.
Headsets and bottom brackets are also loaded differently. Headsets take thrust loads, while bottom brackets take radial loads.