which headset bearings and how many miles do they do

radiation man

anyone have an idea how many miles sealed headsets bearings will last, i own 2 bikes and im trying to find a replacement headset for my 2007 trek pilot 1.0, but cant find one anywhere, ive been told by trek that mine is a cane creek aheadset slimstak w/semi cartridge sealed bearings, threadless vp-a77ct-tk 1-1/8, but no luck finding one in uk and local bike shop cant find one.

huuregeil

Very much depends what they've been exposed to, and how good the seals are. Instead of replacing the entire headset, simply replace the sealed bearing unit. They're standard and bearings are specced on the basis of 3 dimensions: inside diameter; outside diameter; thickness. I got my last set of bearings from these guys:

http://simplybearings.co.uk

Good prices and helpful service over the phone.

Rob Somerset

Hi,I have a trek 1400 circa 2005. It has had 2 new headsets in 18000 miles which seems reasonable. These are a cane creek special for Trek also. Chain Reaction Cycles in Somerset had some in stock, they are a Trek agent and have always been able to get any Trek bits within a few days. I would assume that any Trek dealer could do the same ..

Rob

Monty Dog

First point of call should be a Trek dealer. In terms of duration - depends on what type of riding conditions, particularly whether you have mudguards and how frequently you have cleaned / regreased the bearings and the quality of the bearings themselves. A poorly treated headset might only last a winter.

keef66

My mtb is 12 years old and still on it's original headset. Never even seen the thing. I suspect it's got decent sealed bearings of some kind.

Steve_b77

My hope headset on my MTb has seen a year of constant abuse, grit, grime, excssive water, snow, ice and dust, gets hosed down most rides and it's faultless.

dennisn

keef66 wrote:

My mtb is 12 years old and still on it's original headset. Never even seen the thing. I suspect it's got decent sealed bearings of some kind.

You make a good point in that headsets aren't something that tend to "wear out"
over a short period of time. Unless they are too tight or too loose. I have a Cane Creek,
it's a mid priced one and like "keef66" I haven't touched it in 5 years. Still smooth as silk. If it died tomorrow I would still sing its praises.

edindevon

Rob Somerset wrote:

Hi,I have a trek 1400 circa 2005. It has had 2 new headsets in 18000 miles which seems reasonable. These are a cane creek special for Trek also. Chain Reaction Cycles in Somerset had some in stock, they are a Trek agent and have always been able to get any Trek bits within a few days. I would assume that any Trek dealer could do the same ..

Rob

Do you mean the Bicycle Chain in Somerset?

http://www.bicyclechain.co.uk/index.asp

I'm interested in this because I have a Trek 1400 on which I've done over 10,000 miles and the headset is the only issue I have with it. The most visible sign of wear is that one of the rubber O rings has broken, so I'd like to know if the O rings come as part of the headset. Otherwise I can't really see what's worn, but the steering feels really twitchy, so I do think a new headset is needed.

Edindevon

Rob Somerset

Edindevon,
Your are correct its the Bicycle Chain I meant, obvious spending too much time and money online. The two kits I had contained all the bits. the two replacements were slightly different from the original fit. It was noticable that the weather proofing was better.
I wouldnt bother replacing the non moving ring that sits on the top of the forks, it was a real pig to get the old one off. about 20 to 25 quid for the kit I think.
Both times mine wore so that the steering 'notched' into the straight on position. It was only after riding someone elses bike that I noticed how bad my steering was. You sort of get used to it as it deteriorates over time
Rob

edindevon

Thanks for the reply Rob. It was the none moving ring that broke and when I asked in Sidwell Cycle about getting a replacement they didn't seem to think it was possible. Mind you, I don't think they're a Trek dealer. In any case, the steering definitely isn't right, so I'll have to get in touch with the Bicycle Chain to see exactly what I need.

Edindevon