Originally Posted by
Esos1
It came right out, is that bad?
Originally Posted by
JoeTBM
It would raise an eyebrow and prompt me for further investigation. I run a volunteer bike shop and work on hundreds of bikes a year. The only time that a bearing cup just came out on its own, there was a crack in the head tube. They are normally pressed into place.
I've seen it happen on TIG welded frames lacking reinforcement on the ends of the head tube (which isn't the case here). Abusive riding can cause the lower end of the head tube to flare and allow the cup to loosen. It's possible, but unlikely (IMO), to be the case for the OP's bike. It could just be a poorly prepped frame. In any case, a bearing retaining compound, like Loctite #609, can hold the cup securely.
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Locti.../dp/B07BCDYD2C