Re: [CR] headset pitting

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: "Matthew 'Devotion' Bowne" <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com>
To: <mewash@gmail.com>, CR discussion list <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:47:48 -0400
In-Reply-To: <875729680910161329k65686537v9bc514323945aa7d@mail.gmail.com>
References: <875729680910161329k65686537v9bc514323945aa7d@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] headset pitting


I have heard of mechanics doing one of two things to slightly pitted headsets: 1) Re-packing and rotating the cups to avoid alignment of the brindled races and subsequent "hang up" spots. 2) Repacking the headset with loose (rather than caged) ball bearings and plenty o' grease. If ya can't find another race/cup, I'd give one of these a shot... Though I gotta admit I have never tried the latter.  Can anybody offer an explanation as to why this might improve the headset's performance? Is it just that a caged bearing set will have pits at even spaced and looes bearings are, well, loose and subsequently unevenly spaced (and thus less likely to get caught up in the same spots)?

Matthew Bowne also in Brooklyn, New York

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> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:29:59 -0400

> From: mewash@gmail.com

> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

> Subject: [CR] headset pitting

>

> hi all,

>

> so, i just got a (slightly off-topic) headset from ebay, and on

> receiving it discovered that the head tube race is slightly pitted

> (probably a dozen light pits each about a millimeter high). otherwise

> it's in pretty good shape... do people think this is a big deal? if i

> run a ballpoint pen along the race it just barely finds the pits. i

> do plan to ride the bike i put it on =)

>

> alternately, does anyone have a c-record headtube race they can sell me? =)

>

> thanks,

>

> milosz meller

> brooklyn, ny