Headset Bearings
 

What size ball bearings (loose) would fit a Falcon (Tange) headset? I suppose they would be available at a hardware store or autoparts?

Last Tange I serviced was 5/32". Very common size. I usually buy them on Amazon.

I don't think I've seen a ball-bearing headset of any brand or model that didn't use 5/32" balls.

Thanx guys, I appreciate the help. Just called down to the corner hardware, they have them.

Yeah, 5/32". It's kinda' odd that everybody uses/uses English dimensions for bearings but there you are.

Campagnolo Record and Super Record road headsets use 3/16" balls.

I really dont know why this doesnt surprise me.

Ah yes, I had forgotten!

and they used 7/32" balls in front hubs. 3/16" in headsets is OK since you'll have those around, but 7/32" are inconvenient.

FWIW, Shimano 600EX and Dura-Ace EX headsets also used 3/16" balls.

Don't remember what size, but the
 

...old Raleighs et.al. used something like 24 balls top, 26 bottom or some such goofy arrangment, and the balls were very small.

I had to lay the bike on its side on the floor on a tarp to keep them from rolling off into infinity. Putting them back in was equally painful, but then I was used to pain having owned a number of MG's.

Although I know they were good bikes, those little balls and cottered cranks are probably the reason I own no English bikes today. :D