Headset and Fork?
#1
Headset and Fork?
When my bike was at the LBS they told me i needed a seal between the fork and the body and then another seal under the heaset spacer and the body. The problem as i have seen is finding such seals.
I have a 2007 Orbea Ora, anyone know where i can get these seals? I have contacted Orbea and they have no clue what i'm talking about.
I have a 2007 Orbea Ora, anyone know where i can get these seals? I have contacted Orbea and they have no clue what i'm talking about.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Seals, if any, come with the headset. I'm not sure what your bike shop is talking about but if the headset was properly installed, everything you need should be there.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,730
Likes: 1,720
By the way, one reason Orbea doesn't know is that they don't actually make the headset. See if you can identify the headset (common names are Campy, Cane Creek, and FSA in the OEM bike market.). It could actually be that Orbea varies the brand of headset they use depending on supplier issues. The probably use comparable quality, and "standard" (i.e. IS, EC, ZS), but may vary the supplier. Therefore, the guy doesn't really know. The various comparable headsets will have similar specs, and mostly similar (and interchangable) parts, but some may have seals others don't etc.
If you can identify the brand, either look at their installation documents online (which usually also include an exploded diagram showing all the little parts), or call that company and ask them.
But again, if you bought that bike new, and it came with the headset assembled, I would have absolutely no reason to think there are seals missing. It could very well be that the LBS guy happens to be familiar with a headset that does have seals and therefore thinks all should have them. A little knowledge/experience can be more dangerous than none!
Last edited by Camilo; 05-22-12 at 02:57 PM.
#4
+1
Some, not all, headsets have little rubber o-ring type seals which help keep dirt and water out. Unless you believe your headset is really missing parts or wasn't installed properly I wouldn't worry about it. If nothing else, these seals are not critical as long as you repack the bearings appropriately.
Some, not all, headsets have little rubber o-ring type seals which help keep dirt and water out. Unless you believe your headset is really missing parts or wasn't installed properly I wouldn't worry about it. If nothing else, these seals are not critical as long as you repack the bearings appropriately.





