LHT headset
 

Hi i have a LHT with the ritchy headset and i am wondering where i can get new headset sealed bearings for it. Thanks scott

Replace headset .. doubt you can get the bearings out of the mount
& its not worth the bother..

Chris King. only need one.. transfer it to new bikes..

If you've confirmed that the bearings actually come out, have you tried the bike shop you got the bike (or the headset) from? Failing that, look online. The details of the bearing dimensions ought to be printed on them somewhere.

If you haven't already pulled it apart, I don't know if the Ritchey headsets have the removable cartridge bearings or not, but if Fietsbob's right and they don't, Chris King would be the logical option provided you can afford to spring for one. It's the exact antithesis of "buy cheap, buy twice".

As noted, if it's a loose ball headset you can't get sealed bearings to replace them. The only option is a complete new headset and Chris King is certainly the "class act" but very pricy. More reasonably priced but good quality sealed bearing headsets are available from Cane Creek and FSA.

I got an FSA Pig & have been happy with it.

Is your current headset giving you any problems? They are usually one of the least problematic bearings on the bike, and the stock LHT headset isn't bad. Unless it's actively broken, upgrade something more fun.

If you can remove the bearings these guys will have it: www.bocabearings.com/
To my knowledge no headset makers manufacture their own bearings as it would not be economically feasible to do so; they all buy existing bearing. You may/maynot get some useful info here as far as headset replacements http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...vs-not-so-high

yes the current headset is sealed bearings and the bearings are ratchety and gets stuck in the center position.

Assuming it's properly adjusted, that does sound like it needs replacing.

Sealed bearings is a bit of a misnomer, since all decent-quality bike bearings are sealed, what you're referring to is cartridge bearings. There are lots of different ones, but they'll either have the specifications laser-engraved into one of the races, or printed on the seals, so you know what to buy.

As Airburst noted, "sealed bearings" can be a misnomer as almost all headsets have rubber o-rings or similar "seals" even if they use loose balls or balls in retainer cages. Your description "gets stuck in the center position" implies loose or retainer held balls that have "brinneled", that is the balls have worn matching divots in the races and developed "index steering". Typically, true cartridge bearings aren't suseptable to this problem.

If your headset uses retainer held balls you may be able to extend its life somewhat by discarding the retainers and adding a couple of more balls to each race. That keeps the balls from aligning with their divots and will smooth out the headset for a while. Otherwise, a new headset is called for.