Replacement headset
03-12-14, 02:37 PM
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Replacement headset
Hi all just wondering about a headset I'm buying. I have seen a lot if videos about replacing a the bearings that are in the cages with more bearing and leaving out the cage. I am replacing the whole headset and was wondering would I be better off goin out and getting more of the same size bearing and doing to swap straight away when chaining the headset ? What are your opinions ?
03-12-14, 02:42 PM
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No need out of the box, just add plenty of grease. Also, I wouldn't try "chaining the headset."
03-12-14, 02:48 PM
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+1^^
For most cases, the caged bearing setup from the factories are more than adequate.
Going with loose balls/additional bearings in the races will definitely be a plus, in terms of ultimate smoothness and maybe just a little bit more durability because of the loads being spread around to more bearings, but the difference in both departments will most likely be imperceptible to almost all of us...... Just keep the headset well maintained and adjusted and it should last just as long and feel just as good.....
For most cases, the caged bearing setup from the factories are more than adequate.
Going with loose balls/additional bearings in the races will definitely be a plus, in terms of ultimate smoothness and maybe just a little bit more durability because of the loads being spread around to more bearings, but the difference in both departments will most likely be imperceptible to almost all of us...... Just keep the headset well maintained and adjusted and it should last just as long and feel just as good.....
03-12-14, 03:23 PM
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Sorry I ment changing the headset thanks for the help 
03-12-14, 03:43 PM
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If the races and threads and locknut flats on the headset are still good, there's really no good reason to change it, unless you might be having problems keeping it to stay in adjustment, which sometimes happens with some headsets because of a physical flaw on it. Whether one goes for loose or caged balls, on a new headset, my statements above still apply. But going with new bearings everytime you service the headset can be a good preventative measure. Anyway, bearings are cheap.
If you find out you do need to replace the headset, make sure you check the condition of the headstock faces and if there might be any ovalization of the openings, as could sometimes happen with some frames if the headset is ridden too loose for long periods....
If you find out you do need to replace the headset, make sure you check the condition of the headstock faces and if there might be any ovalization of the openings, as could sometimes happen with some frames if the headset is ridden too loose for long periods....
03-12-14, 04:41 PM
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Well I was changing the headset because I was going to change the forks to a JIS standard chromed fork. And I was going to go for a tange passage headset that I have found. also I have taking the headset apart and it all seems to be fine on top but when it came to the bottom there where about 6 bearings missing. Also who ever had the bike before me changed to forks and the steerer tube was cut too short and there is no locknut on the steerer tube just the top cap. This was one reason why I was going to change the forks and also because the rake on the fork is a bit big for what I want.
