Headset headache!!!!!!

[pacomiller]

In need of advice,I have giant 2020 atx,straight steer, non tapered, what head set do I get, what size bearings???thx

 

[Sharky]

What's wrong with the current one?

 

[Jody]

You will need to make sure of the steerer tube and head tube diameter.

Do these run cartridge bearings or caged?

 

[fossyant]

As it's relatively new, take the stem off and drop the forks off. Take the bearings out and you'll see the specific number written on the side. Note these all down, and then google. Always worth doing this when a bike is new as the numbers wear off. I remembered to take the numbers off my MTB this year - was getting hard to see after 4 years.

If the bearings are gritty, you can clean them out and repack with grease. The only time you wouldn't is when you discover they are all rusted up.

To clean out, I pop the seal off (use a pin or a pick) and then blast out the dirt and old grease with brake/carb cleaner. Dry off, WD40 it, and dry off again. Then re-pack with grease.

 

[Cycleops]

Unlikely they're worn at that age. Maybe incorrectly adjusted? In any event I should return the bike to your dealer and let them look at it.

to the forum.

 

[iluvmybike]

Remove bearings and if yuo can't see the numbers then measure inside diameter, outside diameter, height and angle - then buy the appropriate bearings. If it is a straight steerer then bottom and top will prob be the same. But if it is a new bike thn headset bearings highly unlikely to b worn? What i the issue you are having?

 

[T4tomo]

if the 2020 is model year then if there is an issue you shd be going back to the retailer

 

[pacomiller]

What's wrong with the current one?

Its caged balls,I want sealed.

 

[pacomiller]

You will need to make sure of the steerer tube and head tube diameter.

Do these run cartridge bearings or caged?

Caged

 

[pacomiller]

I

Caged

I've since found what I wanted, the word zero stack was throwing me off

 

[pacomiller]

As it's relatively new, take the stem off and drop the forks off. Take the bearings out and you'll see the specific number written on the side. Note these all down, and then google. Always worth doing this when a bike is new as the numbers wear off. I remembered to take the numbers off my MTB this year - was getting hard to see after 4 years.

If the bearings are gritty, you can clean them out and repack with grease. The only time you wouldn't is when you discover they are all rusted up.

To clean out, I pop the seal off (use a pin or a pick) and then blast out the dirt and old grease with brake/carb cleaner. Dry off, WD40 it, and dry off again. Then re-pack with grease.

I had no idea the measuresments were written like that,thx

 

[pacomiller]

Unlikely they're worn at that age. Maybe incorrectly adjusted? In any event I should return the bike to your dealer and let them look at it.

to the forum.

I'm just upgrading,tkx

 

[accountantpete]

Its caged balls,I want sealed.

You can't mix these as the fitting and contact areas are totally different.

The only thing you can do with caged bearings is run them loose without the cage.This sometimes makes steering a bit smoother - depending on the cage.

 

[weareHKR]

You can't mix these as the fitting and contact areas are totally different.

Yup... you'll need a completely new headset to do that.

 

[Blue Hills]

Its caged balls,I want sealed.

Is there a problem with the current one's sealing?
I'd free the balls, grease well with good grease,put back together sealed.
With good maintenance, not overly onerous, if it's at all decent, there is a fair chance that it will outlive you for the cost of a few balls and some grease.
Then you can relieve yourself of all these mathematical complications and just ride your bike.

Edit - i see you have used the dread word "upgrading".
How do you think this new headset will upgrade the experience of riding your bike?