Pastic bearing race!
 

Just realized I spelled plastic wrong lol sry

Hi New guy here. Not new to bikes though

I was changing out my fork on my Specialized crosstrail. When taking off the suspension fork, for the new rigid replacement I found that the race on the factory fork is plastic!
Needless to say it slipped right off. I'm used to seeing metal ones that need to be worked off and on. I'm not sure if I want to put it back on. Anybody here ever find this and change it to a metal one? Can I get a metal one from anywhere? Or would I cause more problems with the wear on the bearing. This will just be a road driven bike.

,I know these major companies have gotton cheaper over the years with parts,:mad: but geeeez!

thanks

Tom

What's the matter with the plastic one if it does the job? if you are trying to change it for a metal one, you will probably end up changing the headset, as crown races are specific to a headset designs.

It's probably Delrin or some other high zoot nylon/plastic. I wouldn't worry. bk.

I assume (pardon me if I'm wrong here), that is isn't actually a bearing race, meaning the balls rin on it, but a centering cone that fits to a cartridge bearing. These can be different from the true crown races, you're used to.

Some centering cones are split, and the taper fit to the lower bearing compresses them onto the fork in a way that the split centering cone works on top. Others might be of plastic and sufficiently compressible that they can tighten without needing a split.

Either way the acid test is that it's tight enough when the headset is adjusted that there isn't even a hint of play. If you can't get rid of all the play and the fork makes any noise when bounced, or rocked against the brake, then you need to tighten the fit, or use a bearing retainer to keep it stable.

Thanks guys all great info! I just never seen plastic down there before. I shall keep it the way is with the new fork.Thanks again guys.

FB, The actually is no cone on the bottom. The top there is though. I dunno I guess it'll be fine as you thought just a plastic ring , as it has been fine. lol