Specialized allez sprint headset bearings

jude2001
jude2001 Posts: 53
edited November 2018 in Workshop
Hi There!

So I've worn out the lower bearing on my Specialized allez DSW Sl sprint expert 2017, and I'm struggling to find the correct size... I've found some on cyclestore but that would cost me £60, stupid price... Would anyone know the dimensions of the lower bearing so I can find a 3rd party replacement that is hopefully cheaper?

Cheers,

Jude

Comments

  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    How do you even wear out a headset bearing?
    I think from previous posts the allez headset is a whole world of pain.
  • david7m
    david7m Posts: 636
    Any part numbers on them?
    I normally soak bearings in petrol and blow dry with compressed air, then search eBay with part number or take local bearing specialist. Last month i had 200 loose bearings for front and rear hubs for £5 lol
    Dave
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    Thanks for the replies, My headset is so worn out that I can't tighten the headset properly, this means that there is a clicking noise coming from my headset, infuriating! What I think has happened is since a headset bearing is always in the same position, the balls wear the outer race bearing due to the constant impacts to a specific point on the outer race (due to the head tube angle). Consequently, when I tighten the headset, the steering becomes indexed. Most likely due to a cheap headset bearing, Hence why it's a waste of money to buy the original bearing from specialized. I think I'll email Specialized customer support. Although, they take a good week to reply to emails, so if anyone does have the dimensions or any help, it would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers,

    Jude
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    Thanks for the advice David, I"ll try and do that, still racing though so it'll be a week or two before I can do that...

    Cheers,

    Jude
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    One bodge, if the balls are in a cage just replace the balls and omicthe cage. You will need one or two more balls than with the cage, this means the balls can't all be aligned with indentations you described so it won't be notchy. Use plenty of grease.
  • david7m
    david7m Posts: 636
    For this - put bearings in until full, then remove one.
    Dave
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    Thanks guys, I'll be sure to do that!
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    So Specialized got back to me, they said "The Allez Sprint has a proprietary headset with a unique lower headset bearing. We do have these in stock, they go by the part number "S192500001" and can be ordered via any Specialized retailer. Simply head into your local store and let them know what you are after and they will be able to help you out."

    Thought I would post this for anyone experiencing the same issue.
  • Vino'sGhost
    Vino'sGhost Posts: 4,129
    Jude2001 wrote:
    So Specialized got back to me, they said "The Allez Sprint has a proprietary headset with a unique lower headset bearing. We do have these in stock, they go by the part number "S192500001" and can be ordered via any Specialized retailer. Simply head into your local store and let them know what you are after and they will be able to help you out."

    Thought I would post this for anyone experiencing the same issue.

    id be tempted to measure the bearing and see if it really is proprietary first if theyre £60 a pop.
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    Went to a specialized retailer, I got told they sell them for £84 for the whole headset and you're not able to buy the single lower headset bearing. I suppose I'll remove it and try and find if they are actually proprietary since I ain't paying £84 without labour! The whole frameset was £390!!

    Thanks for all the help guys!
  • Vino'sGhost
    Vino'sGhost Posts: 4,129
    Jude2001 wrote:
    Went to a specialized retailer, I got told they sell them for £84 for the whole headset and you're not able to buy the single lower headset bearing. I suppose I'll remove it and try and find if they are actually proprietary since I ain't paying £84 without labour! The whole frameset was £390!!

    Thanks for all the help guys!

    How did you get on measuring?
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    I was considering the allez sprint as my next ride but this kind of puts me off. I would definitely strip and degrease twice a year minimum.
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    Might be way off the mark here, given that it is an Allez Sprint rather than an Allez, but I used these for my 2008 Allez.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cane-creek-headset-bearing/

    They are made by Cane Creek who were the original supplier of the headset bearing on my Allez. I bought these several times and used to change them every year just as a matter of course. Low cost but good quality and would probably last a lot longer than a year, it just became part of my yearly maintenance routine.

    Edit: the post makes more sense with the link inserted :roll:
    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I've never understood why, with the already bewildering selection of standard bearings available, manufacturers go off and create a frame requiring something proprietary.

    And seemingly with inadequate seals and made of cheese. And when the lower bearing fails, they turn Dick Turpin and demand £80+ for an entire headset. B@stards!

    I just bought Brembo discs and pads for my wife's car for £70. No way in the world would I pay £80 for a headset
  • jude2001
    jude2001 Posts: 53
    I tried removing the headset bearing, it's really strange... It doesn't just slide out. I've tried tapping it out gently... didn't work. The inner race fell out along with the cage and bearings. The outer race seems to be prevented from being tapped out by a pressed in cup.https://imgur.com/a/xv9L8as
  • lf.karrasch
    lf.karrasch Posts: 1
    I went through the whole thing- if it is a size 54/56 tap out the black bearing cup in the bottom and a 49mm 1 3/8 lower bearing will fit in the bottom headtube . Can be found for 10 bucks online.
    Found that out by chance and I think Specialized is a son of **** for not just giving out any sort of measurements.
  • epochers.onlineoYcMXy21
    epochers.onlineoYcMXy21 Posts: 3
    lf.karrasch said:

    I went through the whole thing- if it is a size 54/56 tap out the black bearing cup in the bottom and a 49mm 1 3/8 lower bearing will fit in the bottom headtube . Can be found for 10 bucks online.
    Found that out by chance and I think Specialized is a son of **** for not just giving out any sort of measurements.

    Did this work for Allez sprint (I have a allez sprint 2017)?
  • epochers.onlineoYcMXy21
    epochers.onlineoYcMXy21 Posts: 3
    What did work eventually allez sprint expert 2017? Was it the loose bearings, ebay bearing or 90 quid set?

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