Caged Headset Bearing sizes

[Custom24]

Hi
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/archive/2012/hardrock/hardrockdisc#specs

This page says I have a HEADSET1-1/8" threadless, loose ball w/ seals

I've had the caged bearings out to have a look and they need replacing.

But I can't seem to find caged bearings in that size for sale on t'Internet. Or rather, I think the sizes I see listed (e.g. 5/32") refer to the size of the balls rather than the cage. And I don't know the size of the balls I need.

Any clues?

 

[lpretro1]

They don't have to be caged - you can just fit loose ones. That way you get more in but you need to be careful refitting the steerer not to dislodge any. The cage just makes the job less fiddly! Your local LBS should have plenty of ball bearing sof that size and they may even have the caged type to fit - take your old one in. Weldtite make these.

 

[tyred]

As a general rule, I always throw these cages away for headsets, hubs or bottom brackets. Their only purpose is to make assembly at the factory easier and the loose bearings will wear better. You probably need 3/32" but measure them or take them to a bike shop if you're not sure. Grease will hold them in place while you assemble it.

 

[Custom24]

Thanks guys, I guess I need a micrometer to measure the bearings?

 

[Kins]

Yes if your going to buy them online, or just take them to a bike shop and they'll tell you what you need.

 

[sidevalve]

Buy a vernier calliper [battery type], cost = less than a tenner. Easy to use, easy to read, covers metric and imperial sizes and has more uses than you may think.

 

[Blue Hills]

Buy a vernier calliper [battery type], cost = less than a tenner. Easy to use, easy to read, covers metric and imperial sizes and has more uses than you may think.

Very often available at Lidl or Aldi when they do their DIY weeks etc

 

[Blue Hills]

On the subject of bearings I have seen some posts online (maybe not here) where folk seem very fussy about the "grade" of bearing. Aren't the Weldtite ones (commonly sold in Halfords I think) perfectly good enough for headset applications?

 

[Kins]

really for the amount they cost just buy the best in your budget. Manufacturers sell them fairly cheap on evil bay.

 

[Mr Celine]

The caged bearings in my Sirrus are 1/8". This seems to be a rare size as none of my local LBSs or Evans in Edinburgh had any loose 1/8" bearings in stock. I did eventually manage to find some, but haven't bothered to fit them yet.

 

[Blue Hills]

really for the amount they cost just buy the best in your budget. Manufacturers sell them fairly cheap on evil bay.

Thanks but not really an answer. I have no idea but possibly "the best in your bdget" might include bits for F1 racing cars. My question was to do with the stuff from the LBS or Halfords which I know some folk are sniffy about. Are they just being obsessive for something maybe so simple for the requirements of a pushbike?

 

[Kins]

Not really. Generic, unmarked bearings will probably be a much poorer grade which will induce much more wear. If they are marked grade wise you can tell yourself wether they are good enough for you. If they are 1000 grade then you really arent doing your head set/ wheel or BB any favours. Easy chart to read.

http://americandad.biz/ts/gradechart.htm

I normally buy grade 10 or 25.

Here an advert for Weldtite bearing tubs which makes 1000 grade sound good. They aren't.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Weldtite-...ub-Sizes-1-8-5-32-3-16-7-32-1-4-/180778908700

 

[Blue Hills]

Thanks for the reply kins - those bearings definitely are incredibly cheap, though I can't think what I'd do with what seems to be the minimum quantity for 5/32 ones - 750.

Feel free to suggest a reliable supplier of somewhat better ones.