Headset standard bearings to sealed cartridge

Mr Bungle

Hi I have a caad 8 - I think it is about 2010
I'm in the middle of servicing headset ( just opened things up as not sure what bearings they were ) and a little surprised to see they are standard - so I can see the individual bearings

Can I replace these with the sealed cartridges or is it best to replace with the same type of bearings ?

I am thinking if it is an upgrade to get the cartridges I may as well - but if not compatible obviously not

sungod

not familiar with what headset is in the caad, but this shows seals...

http://www.cannondalespares.com/Cannond ... il/3-40228

...is yours different?

you can certainly get replacement sealed bearings

Mr Bungle

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/26109532 ... 9282003936

I'm not sure if I can put sealed bearing cartridges on it

The link on ebay is the type which were in mine

keezx

CAAD 8 will not have a 1"headset.

JayKosta

Changing from 'loose bearings' to sealed is probably not possible, or would be very costly.

I don't think there is any performance improvement with sealed, except better protection of the lower bearings from water spray from the wheel.

Unless the loose bearings show obvious damage or roughness, I wouldn't bother to replace them. Just use a paper cloth to wipe all the old grease from the bearings and the races.
Use new grease that is thick enough to hold the loose balls onto the races as you replace them.
If you do want replacement bearings just take one of the old ones to your LBS and buy a package of the same size - they are very inexpensive.
Don't try to use a different size - they won't fit properly in the bearing races.

When tightening the headset, check the adjustment by holding the front brake hard against the rim and try to push the bike forward and back. If you see/feel/hear any 'ticking' of the headset moving, then tighten it a little more until it is solid in the headtube.

MY views about headset bearings ...
Their purpose is primarily to firmly hold and support the front fork in the headtube.
They don't need to provide any real friction reduction - all they need to do is allow the fork to turn.
Cassette bearings are popular because they are simple to install and service. They don't require a skilled mechanic to carefully adjust them, as do loose ball cup-and-cone type bearings - that makes assembling the bike much quicker and less expensive.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Monty Dog

Replace the whole lot with a suitable headset. You can't simply change the bearing types.

sungod

Mr Bungle wrote:

...
I'm not sure if I can put sealed bearing cartridges on it

The link on ebay is the type which were in mine

i meant if the bearings were like the ones in the cannondale pic, looks like there were other types used perhaps pre-2010?

step one one is examining/measuring the headtube to see what size/type it takes, then look for a match

the park tool site has a few guides with plenty of pictures, may help you identify headset type and how to install (you do not need all the tools they mention!)...

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... -standards
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... ion+System

Mr Bungle

Thanks all

In taking them out and cleaning I was perhaps little rough - a few dropped out and the "cage" seems slight
Y twisted so I think I'll get new ones as they seem cheap - thanks for your help

wishitwasallflat

Mr Bungle wrote:

Thanks all

In taking them out and cleaning I was perhaps little rough - a few dropped out and the "cage" seems slight
Y twisted so I think I'll get new ones as they seem cheap - thanks for your help

Some specialised bikes from 3-4 years ago used cups/races pressed into the head tube and balls in cages like you describe. Lots of people (me included) got the cups knocked out and you can then just drop in sealed cartridge bearings. Specialised dealers did it routinely and there are a fair few threads on here about it. Would be worth your while checking if your frame is the same IMO as sealed cartridge are so much easier to live with than those ball cages. I once bent mine as you describe when cleaning it but I straightened up the cage and pushed the bbs back in with no sign of any ill effect. Must say I quickly got the cups knocked out though and switched to sealed as its so much easier.

nigelgos

wishitwasallflat wrote:

Mr Bungle wrote:

Thanks all

In taking them out and cleaning I was perhaps little rough - a few dropped out and the "cage" seems slight
Y twisted so I think I'll get new ones as they seem cheap - thanks for your help

Some specialised bikes from 3-4 years ago used cups/races pressed into the head tube and balls in cages like you describe. Lots of people (me included) got the cups knocked out and you can then just drop in sealed cartridge bearings. Specialised dealers did it routinely and there are a fair few threads on here about it. Would be worth your while checking if your frame is the same IMO as sealed cartridge are so much easier to live with than those ball cages. I once bent mine as you describe when cleaning it but I straightened up the cage and pushed the bbs back in with no sign of any ill effect. Must say I quickly got the cups knocked out though and switched to sealed as its so much easier.

I too changed my 'caged bearings' for cartridge bearings on my Allez... here is the thread wishitwasallflat mentioned. viewtopic.php?f=40004&t=12963941