Integrated Tapered Headset

[bobb]

"Standards" being as they are, no two of my bikes have the same type of headset, so I can't ask myself what I have done before!

One of them has a 1.5" to  1.125" tapered. The frame is a Kinesis Tripster ATR Ti V1.

I've noticed a bit of play recently which I suppose I should expect as the bike is 9 years old and has done over 30,000 (although mostly summer) miles.

My question is: with these headsets, do people just replace the bearings? Or do you just go the whole hog and replace everything?

I could get a complete headset from Kinesis for the princely sum of £55: Kinesis - Headset - 1 1/2" Crown Race

Although I'm pretty sure it's just a bog standard FSA No. 42 which Spa are doing for £54.95 £35: FSA Orbit C-40 Integrated Tapered Headset (No.42 - ACB)

Or do I go for just the bearings?

I could get Blueseal ones for £20 Kinesis Headset Bearings | Blueseal Bike Bearings

Or just the cheapest I can find at £16 Kinesis Racelight T2/T3 Headset Upper and Lower Bearings

What would you do?

[Hot Flatus]

Bearings only is what I'd do.

[bobb]

Bearings only is what I'd do.

 

[Hot Flatus]

The only thing I'm wondering about is why there is play. After all, the bearings don't really see any action, and the only reason I change them is because of exposure to elements and eventual rusting.

Have you taken them out, prised off the seals, degreased then repacked with grease and refitted?

[bobb]

Have you taken them out, prised off the seals, decreased then repacked with grease and refitted?

No I haven't.  I was going to do that today, but couldn't be arsed! I will do that though...

[SpaceBadger]

I’ve generally found that headsets with play need adjustment. Headsets with rough or knotchy movement when turning the bars need a new bearing or two. I’ve never had success with attempts to re-grease a bearing, which could just be down to my skills.

[bobb]

Cheers. Whilst I had 10 minutes this morning, I loosened off the stem and gave the top cap bolt a tweak until the play was gone - less than half a turn. All sorted! When I have more time I'll drop the fork for an inspection.

I had just assumed it was bearings as the last one I did was on my MTB and they were absolutely shagged....

[Morat]

All sorted! When I have more time I'll drop the fork for an inspection.

Quoting for Posterity.

[FifeingEejit]

Cheers. Whilst I had 10 minutes this morning, I loosened off the stem and gave the top cap bolt a tweak until the play was gone - less than half a turn. All sorted! When I have more time I'll drop the fork for an inspection.

I had just assumed it was bearings as the last one I did was on my MTB and they were absolutely shagged....

Yeah, i did that a few times once.
Headset started to seize up during a ride.
When I got home I took some time to extract the various bits of bearing from the top cup.

[Lightning Phil]

Same here on 1 1/8” headset. But lower bearing had gone. Retightening is only a short term fix.  If loosens again definitely sort bearings out.

[zigzag]

if it's a straight 1 1/8" steerer, then bottom and top bearings can be (temporarily) swapped round, most of weight and wear is on the bottom one, the top bearing hardly ever wears out.

[bobb]

Retightening is only a short term fix.

Indeed. I have some new bearings on order now...

[bobb]

New bearings now fitted. Cleaned everything up, crown race fine, old bearings had no obvious wear, but difficult to tell. After 9 years, probably worth doing anyway....