Originally Posted by
AdventureManCO
Okay! After reading through this again, I do have some additional questions -
1. I'm assuming the cartridge bearings are replaceable - where can one find drop-in replacements?
2. Are you seeing any additional wear, especially on the top bearing, from having the torque/load of the downward force on the handlebars and stem transfer to the bearing? The way my brain is processing it...on a normal quill stem, the load from body weight follows this path: handlebars --> stem --> steerer (usually steel) --> headset. On your design, it is handlebars --> stem ---> upper headset cap. Just curious. I can see how it can be immensely more stable and stiff, but my brain keeps thinking about that 'push down' force directly against the top headset cap.
3. Is the bolt steel, and the wedge aluminum?
4. Any info on country of origin?
Thanks!
1. If not from me, then Cane Creek's 1" cartridge bearings (27.15mm ID, 38mm OD, 6.5mm thick, 36/45 degree) just happen to be the correct size
2. On my design, the load from the stem is shared between the upper bearing and the steerer. Remember that there is still a quill going down inside the steerer tube just like a typical threaded headset and stem. 'Real' threadless headsets do load the upper bearing just like you describe, though, and those don't seem to be grinding through upper bearings so I don't expect to, and have not seen for the record, any unusual upper bearing wear.
3. Bolt and wedge are both steel with black zinc plating. Not worth risking safety for some weight savings here. Nearly everything else is anodized 6061-T6 aluminum save for the dust seals (Buna-N), top cap plug (not shown, EPDM), top cap washer (304 SS), and bearings (52100 steel with Buna-N seals).
4. Parts are sourced from a variety of trusted vendors in China. Assembled in USA.