Trek/GF FSA Headset (not E2)

dmorton

Hi,

I've got a Trek/Gary Fisher Cobia 2011 and the bottom bearing race in the headset needs replacing. It rusted solid! It's cleaned up ok and will probably work again for a bit... but will need attention sooner or later

I've got two options:

1. Replace the bearings

2. Replace the whole headset.

For option 1, other than stating it's FSA, I can't find out from looking at it what model the headset is (it's not E2). Trek list it as 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2011/archive/cobia.... if I can get a replacement bearing race for a couple of quid then I'll do that. Otherwise if the race is pricey then replacing the whole thing will make more sense.

Does anyone know what bearing race I need?

Or are there any suggestions for a replacement headset?

nicklouse

pics, if cartridge bearings just replace them cups can stay. if caged balls new headset.

dmorton

Caged balls... is that what semi-cartridge means?

Re-greased and put back together. Will look into getting a new headset fitted then. Don't have tools to do cups myself

dmorton

After a bit of looking around, the headset that's currently on the bike looks a lot like the FSA No. 11 here->http://www.davehinde.com/mountain-bikes/fsa-no11-n-semi-integrated-headset.html. The stack given by the top cap is quite large and I need the replacement to have this much height too.

Does anyone have any suggestions for replacement with cartridge bearings?

A Hope headset might be the top choice for fit and forget but it doesn't have the height on the top cap. Any others to consider?

nicklouse

dmorton wrote:

Caged balls... is that what semi-cartridge means?

nope, read parktools.

cheap and old design headsets balls in a cage running in the cups.

nicklouse

dmorton wrote:

A Hope headset might be the top choice for fit and forget but it doesn't have the height on the top cap. Any others to consider?

then add spacers.