Headset Issue (I think)

HighRolla

I've just noticed a crack on what I assume to be the lower cup of my headset, not sure how long it has been there,but though I'd better ask here and see if it's alright to ride still or if I need to be looking for a new headset at this point...

HighRolla

Just incase that photo isn't big enough, which I don't think it is, here's the other link:

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/1162/pic0197t.jpg

stumpyjon

Needs replacing, probably won't collapse or anything but you will be chewing up the bearings everytime you turn the bars. Not a big job, LBS should be able to do it fairly quickly. Not difficult to replace yourself but you may need to 'improvise' a headset press (hammer and block of wood), cup removal tool (big screwdriver and hammer although the tools aren't massively expensive) and a crown race removal tool (or again thin bladed screwdriver, hammer and care).

timthetinyhorse

using my engineering knowledge i am going to have to say stop using the bike and get the headset replaced, that cup takes the longditudinal force from the bearing and holds it in place, as the crack is flexing under load it will be weekening other areas of the cup and this may result in frame damage and/or damage to you.........

for the price of a new headset i recomend you change it asap

rob

HighRolla

Ok, cheers for the advice. I'm off to Scotland with it in a couple of days so I won't have a chance to get it sorted before then, but once I'm back I'll get it done ASAP.

turnerjohn

know there expensive but if you can streach get a Chris King....never had one break !

You need it changed pronto...it will trash your frames headtube as it is...at the very least

Andy B

CK headsets have been known to score the steerer tube on longer travel forks (140mm+).

I had a Ritchey headset for years with no issues, 1st split one I've seen.

FSA, Cane Creek & Hope all do good headsets

HighRolla

FSA Pig I'm thinking, although I haven't had a look around yet to see what else is on the market. Much as I would love to, I can't stretch to a CK with uni looming

supersonic

What bike is it for?

HighRolla

Scott Voltage. I use it for a bit of everything...

supersonic

Pig may be a good choice - weighty, but tough.

timthetinyhorse

iv used pigs on a couple of bikes and they have been good if not a tad bulky

rob

HighRolla

Anything else of similar price/quality that you'd suggest that's less bulky then?

supersonic

FSA Orbit XL2

timthetinyhorse

just have a glance on wiggle or crc and see what on offer, there tend to be discount codes flying around for wiggle aswell

rob