Headset question
 

I'm taking my bike apart for painting. The drop in sealed bearing headset race only came out with a struggle. Aren't they supposed to just "drop" in? There was some paint that could be in the way.
thanks

Are you certain that what you have is supposed to be a drop-in and not a press-fit?

are there press fit sealed bearings? The upper bearing came out with minimal effort and another (higher quality) bike I own has bearing that literally fall out.

Bearing or race? You started with race.

If you are talking about a bearing assembly that the races and bearings are one unit that stay together, then yes I'd think that should be drop in. But wouldn't be bothered if I had to push it in with a firm force or maybe even a light tap with a mallet. A little bit of grime or something could make it not be as easy as drop in.

While you said all the proper stuff, it did get a little confusing to me seeing headset, bearing, race all in a short and brief sentence or two. Plus, I never assume I'm conversing with someone that actually knows what they are talking about. Apparently you do!

Drop in vs press in is easily confirmed by the configuration itself.

Bearings or races which are located radially by the walls of the tube must be pressed in to eliminate the possibility of radial slop.

Bearings which are located by a conical arrangement are drop in and movement is eliminated by headset preload and the conical seat.

So, look at the bearing and how it pockets into the frame and you'll know.