Headset thoughts, anyone?
12-28-11 | 09:04 AM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,195
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
If you had to acquire and install a headset on a high-end vintage bike what would you consider acceptable? One can buy a new, seemingly very good headset from Harris or VO for under $50. Vintage Campy sets on ebay are going for two to three times that. Let us put aside for now any question of restoration; for now I'm interested in performance, not appearance.
VO has a model with needle bearings, seems like a good idea. They also have a model with a split fork crown race to make it easier to install. I can see how the bearing pressure would force the split joint closed, but I do wonder how that joint would survive long-term use.
Any thoughts or experiences?
TIA,
Jim
VO has a model with needle bearings, seems like a good idea. They also have a model with a split fork crown race to make it easier to install. I can see how the bearing pressure would force the split joint closed, but I do wonder how that joint would survive long-term use.
Any thoughts or experiences?
TIA,
Jim
That said, I like modern and vintage Campagnolo, Tange M-60 and some kinds of Levin, and Stronglight A9 with needle bearings. But you can't make one work that has the wrong dimensions. Nor can you make one work if the head tube and crown race seat are not in shape.
12-28-11 | 09:19 AM
#27
VO has a model with needle bearings, seems like a good idea. They also have a model with a split fork crown race to make it easier to install. I can see how the bearing pressure would force the split joint closed, but I do wonder how that joint would survive long-term use.
Any thoughts or experiences?
TIA,
Jim
Any thoughts or experiences?
TIA,
Jim
12-28-11 | 10:01 AM
#28
Thread Starter
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13,496
Likes: 937
From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Which brings me to the next question. How does one determine what stack height will be needed? I do not have the original. Most likely it would have been a Campy NR. I can see starting with a smaller height and adding washers if required, seein' as how they seem to be available. If I start with one spec'ed too large that may mean removing a washer, but perhaps there are none to remove so that headset won't do at all.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
12-28-11 | 11:01 AM
#29
Hopelessly addicted...
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,955
Likes: 13
From: Central Maryland
Bikes: 1949 Hercules Kestrel, 1950 Norman Rapide, 1970 Schwinn Collegiate, 1972 Peugeot UE-8, 1976 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Raleigh Sports, 1977 Jack Taylor Tandem, 1984 Davidson Tandem, 2010 Bilenky "BQ" 650B Constructeur Tandem, 2011 Linus Mixte
12-28-11 | 11:05 AM
#30
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,318
Likes: 5,226
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
The only difference between the Delta and the A9 is that the Delta has O-ring seals on the cups and locknut.
12-28-11 | 12:08 PM
#31
weapons-grade bolognium
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,606
Likes: 3,306
From: Across the street from Chicago
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Just installed it last night. Very light-weight as well.I think Ben's has replacement needle bearing/race sets.
12-28-11 | 12:34 PM
#32
Stronglight stopped making the needle bearing A-9 some time ago. They now have cartridge bearings. There is also a heavy A-9ST with ball bearings.
