Specilized secteur head set ball bearing size?

[Leaway2]

Can anyone tell me what size balls are in the cage? 1/8 ?
I'm a bit of a metric man.

 

[accountantpete]

Specialized did weird and wonderful things as regards headset design, including "Mindsets" and buying in one-off headsets from VP - so there will not be a straight answer to your question.

The best bet is to measure the existing bearings or take them down to the LBS.

A possible alternative is to replace the whole headset with a new one - caged bearings or sealed bearing options will probably fit but it may require a bit of work measuring all the dimensions needed.

 

[Leaway2]

Thanks AP. I have been to the lbs and bought some balls (@Fnaar) to put in the cage. I was passing the lbs in the van and decided to drop in. I didn't have a specimen with me so I hope he has given me the correct size. I will be reassembling tonight.

Who are VP?

 

[Leaway2]

Update for future readers.
I pressed the new balls into the cage, greased and reassembled. Did the commute on it this morning and all appears OK.
Unfortunately I do not know the ball size but will update when I find out.

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks AP. I have been to the lbs and bought some balls (@Fnaar) to put in the cage. I was passing the lbs in the van and decided to drop in. I didn't have a specimen with me so I hope he has given me the correct size. I will be reassembling tonight.

Who are VP?

VP are a close associate of Cane Creek who make rather good headsets. VP are I think based in China so I presume they churn out bits for the mass market.

 

[Leaway2]

I have to say that this episode has soured my view of Specialized. The parts appear to be non standard and unavailable. If the cage corrodes/breaks I'm stuffed. Evans cycles were unable to find the bearings but would replace with an alternative sealed bearing. The lbs said the same (I haven't spoken to Edinburgh cycles from where I bought it).
This bike is 2010 FFS.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Couldnt you just replace the whole bearing assembly ?

 

[Andrew_P]

I have to say that this episode has soured my view of Specialized. The parts appear to be non standard and unavailable. If the cage corrodes/breaks I'm stuffed. Evans cycles were unable to find the bearings but would replace with an alternative sealed bearing. The lbs said the same (I haven't spoken to Edinburgh cycles from where I bought it).
This bike is 2010 FFS.

Mine did just that corrode and implode on my Roubaix, I just contacted my nearest Specialized dealer and ordered one. My only concern is how long they are supported by Specialized as a spare part.

 

[accountantpete]

I have to say that this episode has soured my view of Specialized. The parts appear to be non standard and unavailable. If the cage corrodes/breaks I'm stuffed. Evans cycles were unable to find the bearings but would replace with an alternative sealed bearing. The lbs said the same (I haven't spoken to Edinburgh cycles from where I bought it).
This bike is 2010 FFS.

By and large Specialized stuff is great - but some parts are just dreadful.

In my opinion there is very little justifiable reason not to use a standard headset - thousands and thousands of other bikes do so without falling apart or failing to steer properly and when you want replacement bearings it is the easiest thing in the world.

If you ever want to replace the bearings with sealed bearings you will need to change the whole headset including the crown race.

All you need to do is measure the internal diameter of the headtube and get the appropriate type of fitting (integrated or semi-integrated) that will fit.

 

[Leaway2]

Couldnt you just replace the whole bearing assembly ?

Its not a bearing. It is loose bearings pressed into a "cage". There are 23 balls in the cage. Sorry about the quality of the pic.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Its not a bearing. It is loose bearings pressed into a "cage". There are 23 balls in the cage. Sorry about the quality of the pic.

I meant cant you just replace the entire headset with a sealed cartridge

 

[Leaway2]

I meant cant you just replace the entire headset with a sealed cartridge

Oh yes, but its a fag and not without risk of damaging the frame, drifting out the ball race cups.
I don't think I should have to be doing this on a 2010 bike.

 

[Smurfy]

The cage only exists to make assembly cheap, quick and easy. You can reduce the loading on each individual ball and its associated contact points by doing away with the cage, and just putting in as many balls as will fit, then removing one ball to give the remainder a bit of space. This will prolong the life of the headset by reducing the loading per ball. It's not as fiddly as it sounds if you use a little grease to hold the balls still, and some tweezers to place them.

As for measuring the balls, a digital vernier gauge is your best bet, and places like Lidl/Aldi occasionally sell these very cheaply. Maplin are also currently selling for 7.99GBP. The balls will probably be either 1/8" or 5/32", in imperial decimal that's 0.125" or 0.15625", and in metric decimal that's 3.175mm or 3.96875mm.

1" = 25.4mm

 

[Smurfy]

Oh yes, but its a fag and not without risk of damaging the frame, drifting out the ball race cups.
I don't think I should have to be doing this on a 2010 bike.

It's easy enough and risk free with the correct tools, but it would be bad economics to spend £100s on the tools to do it.

http://www.parktool.com/product/head-cup-remover-oversized-rt-2

http://www.parktool.com/product/head-cup-remover-rt-1

http://www.parktool.com/product/home-mechanic-bearing-cup-press-hhp-3

http://www.parktool.com/product/crown-race-setting-system-crs-1

 

[Leaway2]

It's easy enough and risk free with the correct tools, but it would be bad economics to spend £100s on the tools to do it.

Yes I have seen on the t'interweb, ppl using a pipe with 6 saw cuts across the diameter to make the tool. I may have a go if I need to. Hopefully if I keep on top of the maintenance, I can keep it as it is.
Edit:
The nearest Maplin is in Salford I think. I may pop in and "test" the gauge.