Trek 1400 fork re build (2001 model)

rob39

Hi there, I'm re building my 2001 Trek 1400 which is in the us postal colours (white). It came with a 1" aluminium fork and needs new headset bearings, but I 'm unsure which ones. The serial number on the bearings are AHEAD SET SE-2K
Can you advise which ones would fit??
Regards
Rob

ugo.santalucia

Quite an old headset, a good bike shop might be able to help.
Otherwise, get the bearings out and measure inner/outer diameter, height and look how they are chamfered (should be 45 degrees) and order suitable replacement from a bearing supplier

cycleclinic

A new headset is as cheap as good bearings.

Lots to choose from @£20 to £40 stronglight A9, cane creek ec30, tange Seiki falcon, miche Primato.

They all really good.

ugo.santalucia

thecycleclinic wrote:

A new headset is as cheap as good bearings.

Lots to choose from @£20 to £40 stronglight A9, cane creek ec30, tange Seiki falcon, miche Primato.

They all really good.

True, but a 2001 bike still has cups to press and maybe a crown race to remove/reinstall, which is an added complication or extra cost if left to a bike shop

rob39

I've stripped it all out and found it to have loose bearings in the headset, pretty grubby and needing a good clean. Do i totally replace the loose bearings or give them a good clean re grease? Any advice on potential problems?? are the bearings a standard size???

ugo.santalucia

rob39 wrote:

I've stripped it all out and found it to have loose bearings in the headset, pretty grubby and needing a good clean. Do i totally replace the loose bearings or give them a good clean re grease? Any advice on potential problems?? are the bearings a standard size???

Probably pitted... best to replace with balls of equal size... need to measure them with a vernier.
Check the races, if they are badly pitted too, maybe a new headset is the best solution