Really stupid headset question

[pdV6]

Bear with me - I just want to make sure I'm not being completely stupid here.

In a standard 1 1/8" threadless headset that doesn't use cartridge bearings (i.e. there are loose ball bearings in a little retaining cage), the bearings are supposed to be greased on installation, aren't they?

[Floor Tom]

Yes. Most headsets like that will come with a bit of grease on them already, personaly I'd be adding a bit more when fitting it.

[rhinochopig]

Floor Tom said:

Yes. Most headsets like that will come with a bit of grease on them already, personaly I'd be adding a bit more when fitting it.

Fill it so it squirts out. Nothing kills a HS faster than grit and water - non cartridges have crap seals typically, so make sure there is no space for grit and water to get in. Service every 4 months if you ride a lot off road in wet conditions.

[pdV6]

Thought so.

The headset locked up on me (in twisty singletrack) the other night on my new bike. Had a bit of a "moment" but managed to stop without hitting a tree or collecting the rider behind me!

Took it apart to investigate and it's been assembled bone dry. Not a trace of grease in there at all.

Ah well. Saveable with a bit of grease now or new headset time already?

[rhinochopig]

pdV6 said:

Thought so.

The headset locked up on me (in twisty singletrack) the other night on my new bike. Had a bit of a "moment" but managed to stop without hitting a tree or collecting the rider behind me!

Took it apart to investigate and it's been assembled bone dry. Not a trace of grease in there at all.

Ah well. Saveable with a bit of grease now or new headset time already?

Check the races for damage - scores or grooves worn into them. If they are badly damaged, then it may be time for a new one. Light marking should be fine, but as I said, your goal should be to have grease squirting out when you pop it back together - keeps all the crap out.

Personally I spend no more than £50 on a head set as it's just not worth it IMO.

That said, I have mates with Chris King stuff, that has lasted years, so if you're are feeling flush then it may be worth getting one of these as they do last for "ever". If you do opt for this bling get the top and bottom of the frame faced to ensure the bearings are running properly parallel. Knocking in a cup on a painted frame can hasten the demise of the cartridge / bearings - races.

[pdV6]

Right - the races seemed ok but on closer inspection the cage itself was dead; squashed flat in places and ground to a fine aluminium powder in others!

Bodged it for a ride the other night by removing the cage and filling it up with grease and loose bearings. Worked ok for about half my planned ride and then locked solid again. Wiggled it about a bit to free it up and limped home.

New headset installed today & I'll be having words with the supplier...

[a11y_m]

rhinochopig said:

Personally I spend no more than £50 on a head set as it's just not worth it IMO.

I used to think the same and used nothing but Cane Creek S2 headsets (around £25) for years, but I just spent £60 on a Hope headset and have to admit it's got noticeably less friction than the brand new S2 on my wife's bike. The extra money's worth it for the blingy red (or any colour) finish alone!

[Dudd]

I buy a cheap and cheerful FSA Pig headset until it dies. Then replace. Only had two so far.