Is this headset trashed?
 

The headset race on the bottom of my ItalVega fork looks as if it had a coating or chroming that is coming off.

Photos are attached.

I've only a few headsets of experience. The others had some non-perfect surfaces, but nothing that looked this much like a stain or lost surface coating.

Is it trashed? Potentially needs more rubust.polishing than my degrease then Dawn?

Thanks.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...99ff6f0295.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d0ef9001f2.jpg

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perfectly normal wear - no worries

they turn a bit smoother after the the chrome plating has worn away

when you repack best to do so with new loose balls (5/32")

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btw -

the cycle's fork crown is Agrati "SPORT" pattern Nr. 026.8058

enjoy good fun with your Torresini! ;)


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Maybe, maybe not. If the headset can be adjusted to have no play and it still turns freely, than all is AOK. If not (if it has play or it does not rotate freely once adjusted to have no play), then the races could be pitted enough and perhaps a new headset is in order. Headsets aren't generally all that pricey. And the labor to have a shop put a new one in isn't that high (my local shop just put a new threadless one in my bike for $35 - the star nut on the old one broke and the top cap flew off!).

I'd take a stiff wire brush and get rid of the rest of that plating. Chrome is quite hard, and having fragments floating around in the race won't be good for it. Then you can more clearly inspect the condition of the crown race. I suspect it will be OK, and if not going from retained bearings to loose balls is often enough to avoid "indexed steering" from fretting damage.

Thanks to all who responded.

I'm going to see about a replacement. The low cost and possibility of chrome flake knocking around if I reassemble seems convincing.

If I get quoted $75, I'll reconsider.