Retainer Type or plain ball bearings!
 

Hi,
I have an ENDA 16 inches folding bicycle with six gears. I got it from my friend in Canada in March ,2014. But the problem I find these days that the retainer type bearings in headset (16 nos 5/32 balls ) have given out and needs replacement . I have seen and checked the other bearings fitted in front hub,crank axle and rear hub are all retainer type. Now I have two queries to place here :
1) There was a slight front-backward play in the headset . I made a an inquiry to ENDA and they said this nominal play is normal for user safety as the wheels are only 16 inches. But the play has increased considerably and I doubt that the Retainer Ball bearings have worn out.
2) In India, it is very difficult to find retainer type bearings and please tell me whether I can go for settling with plain ball bearings in all the places ?

welcome to the forum. I would suggest posting this in the mechanic section of the forum, you are more likely to get informed opinions in that section.

Cheers and welcome. +1 on Bike Mechanics, or even Folding Bikes section.

Welcome to Bike Forums!

A little Déjà vu

The question has already gotten some answers here:
(Road Cycling) Retainer Type or plain ball bearings!