Anti-salt components

solarflash
solarflash Posts: 102
edited March 2009 in Commuting chat
I bought a new bike in October to commute to work on and also get out to local trails mountain biking. I commute 2-3 times a week, and over the winter the salt has really taken it's toll on the bike. The chain bit the dust first, (new KMC seems to be holding up much better - although the gear changes haven't been the same, I'm guessing because the new chain hasn't quite meshed with the old drive train) and now the headset is dead, and the front derailleur has seized. So I'm in need of both these components but I'm looking for something that might hold up against the salt better, but also serve well when mountain biking. Can anyone recommend a headset in particular (I was thinking of getting an SLX derailleur)

Comments

  • barrybaines
    barrybaines Posts: 273
    Do you not wash your bike at all?
    http://www.justgiving.com/26-and-a-bit-miles
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    I usually wash the bike after I get home work.
  • barrybaines
    barrybaines Posts: 273
    Just very surprised your components are trashed that quick! I would expect many thousand miles out of a headset that has been looked after, and the same with a chain and rear mech!
    http://www.justgiving.com/26-and-a-bit-miles
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    Yeah, I was surprised too, it's a coastal route to work, which might make a difference, and its 12.5miles each way, so about 75 miles a week (with a weekend ride as well every so often). So I guess that's about 1500 miles give or take. The lube I was originally using on the chain was terrible too...
  • Rich158
    Rich158 Posts: 2,348
    I'd go for a headset with cartridge bearings, they tend to have better seals. Personally I like Hope headsets, they're expensice but last for ages. Alternatiively I've found the FSA Orbits to be pretty good. Make sure you get the bike shop to fit it though if you haven't got a headset press. Nothing will kill it quicker than misaligned bearings.
    pain is temporary, the glory of beating your mates to the top of the hill lasts forever.....................

    Revised FCN - 2
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    Thanks Rich, I had been looking at FSA orbits, and toying with spending extra on hope.
  • Jamey
    Jamey Posts: 2,152
    If you don't have a front mudguard it can be pretty easy for muck to get into the headset so I'd suggest getting one.

    If you do have one already then I'm very surprised the headset went that quickly, ditto for the front mech. Not as surprised about the chain though - they're more consumable and 1,500 winter miles isn't too bad for a chain.
    My photography // My helmet cam videos // My bike
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    Don't have a mudguard, thanks Jamey will look into getting one of those too.
  • Jamey
    Jamey Posts: 2,152
    No worries. You'll need a full mudguard that actually runs right through the forks and seals off that hole (the one that goes up inside the steerer tube) completely otherwise the guard won't stop the tyre throwing road muck into the hole. Clip-on type guards and race bladey things tend not to protect that particular bit.
    My photography // My helmet cam videos // My bike
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Definitely look into full guards - my winter bike has them and its so much cleaner than my mates winter bike with his race guards on. If the road crap doesnt get on the bike - then it cant harm it.
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    Ok, got a link to a set of mudguards too? And any other opinions on a decent headset other than the orbits and Hope?
  • Jamey
    Jamey Posts: 2,152
    SKS Chromoplastic mudguards are the default choice, provided they'll fit on your bike. If not then you might need to ask someone else as that's the limit of my mudguard-recommending-usefulness I'm afraid.
    My photography // My helmet cam videos // My bike
  • Rich158
    Rich158 Posts: 2,348
    Solarflash, you really do get what you pay for with headsets. I've been through everything from cheapo £10 jobs right up to Chris King. The Chris King is about the best headset you can give your bike, but it needs to be expertlly installed. If properly installed they'll last the lifetime of the bike. I had a 3 year old one on a MTB frame I bought, it lasted me 2 years, and when I snapped the frame I sold it on as it was still going strong with no maintenance whatsoever. If you add it up ie, one headset roughly every year plus fitting it soon pays for itself.

    For cheeper long life options I'd go for aything with a cartridge bearing. I've used Cane Creek in the past which have been fine. I'd steer clear of the cheaper Ritchey headsets, and Tioga's, I've used them in the past and they haven't lasted more than a couple of months.
    pain is temporary, the glory of beating your mates to the top of the hill lasts forever.....................

    Revised FCN - 2
  • solarflash
    solarflash Posts: 102
    Thanks Rich, I've pretty much decided to go with Hope, that's about as far as my budget can go with having to get a new front mech, and some mudguards. Looks like my bike is also short of eyelets, so I don't think I can fit full mud guards :cry:
  • wgwarburton
    wgwarburton Posts: 1,863
    Sure you can- you need "P-clips" which clamp around the forks & stays and provide an attachment for the guards.

    Cheers,
    W.

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