I need to replace a headset and have a few questions. My only experience has been with traditional ones with ball bearings and races. I see that other than the cheapest ones most now have cartridge bearings. Are cartridge bearings basically the bearings plus races in one sealed unit? Does this mean that there is no wear on the parts fitted to the headtube/fork?

If so how easy is it to get replacement bearings? Are they specific to the manufacturer and model or are they generic and easily available. It sounds great to avoid having to replace headsets because of worn races but if the cartridges aren't available then it is back to square one.

The other issue is the material they are made of. Cheap ones seem to be steel and more expensive ones alloy. My frame is steel. Are there issues fitting an alloy headset to a steel frame similar to the corrosion problems of alloy seatposts in steel frames?

thanks

1) Cartridge bearings, they only wear themselves out whereas traditional style loosely packed balls in a cup wears out the cup
2) Replacement bearings - that depends on which headset you're talking about. Replacements are obviously available for most
3) Cups don't typically seize into frames like seatposts do. So you're worrying about nothing. Alloy posts in steel frames don't seize if it's properly installed with grease/anti-seize and maintained.

Thanks for the reply and answers. One more, probably silly, question: does this mean that there is no lube required for cartridge bearings? I assume it is already in the sealed unit and no more can be added so there is no maintenance until the bearings need replacing? What are the signs of worn bearings on a cartridge headset? Do they develop the same indexing problem with wear as cup and cone ones?

As to spares. The two I am considering are the cane creek s2 and the Mart pro

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-C...lack-18390.htm
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-M...lack-17447.htm

The Mart is cheaper and sounds ok but none of the places I have seen it for sale list replacement bearings despite replaceable bearings being listed as a feature. Could I use cane creek bearings in the Mart for example?

Cartridge bearings wear out by developing play or looseness, they don't pit or develop "index steering" like loose balls. Most are sealed but I like to bed them in grease to prevent water and dirt incursion. Some cartridges are not really sealed and some have removable seals and can be cleaned and relubed occasionally. It depends on the make and model of your headset.

I recommend a Cane Creek or FSA headset since replacement bearing cartridges should be easily available when/if the time comes. Whether the Cane Creek bearings will fit a no-name headset, dunno but I wouldn't depend on it. Incidentally, Chris King makes the premier sealed bearing headset (with a 10-year warranty no less) but at significantly higher cost.

If its a fully sealed cartridge, it does not need to be lubricated, but I like to use Phil Wood Tenacious Oil to keep it tacky and a little more water proof on the outside of the seals.