Headset vs. Seattle rain: recommendation please

Quoted message said:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a 1" threadless
headset to replace a threaded one I have on my commuter fixie. The
Seattle rain has started rusting/pitting out the bottom race, and I am
replacing the threaded fork with a threadless anyway, so it seems like
a good time to do it.

I would like something that has a great seal. I do not care about
weight, and hate replacing headsets so would like it to be as
indestructible as possible. But it seems silly to pay $100 for a
headset for my commuter bike.

I look forward to any suggestions.

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front fender, as the
water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But it seems
like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset race, which
is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

If it seems like my questions revolve around rain, maybe it's becase
today was the 26th straight day of it here.

Thanks in advance,

Harrison

Yes, a front fender with part of it's length in front of the fork crown
will decrease the amount of water getting in that area. Whether this
will make a difference in terms of needing to maintain your headset is
questionable.

These are your choices:

Pay about $130 for a King which you probably won't have to maintain or
think about in any way for many, many years of constant use.
Pay about $25 for a basic ball bearing headset such as a steel-flavored
Aheadset, which will last a very long time as long as it gets
overhauled regularly enough. For a PNW commute bike this will be an
overhaul about every 6 months to a year.
Pay various amounts in between for a cartridge headset that will have a
longer maintenance cycle than the BB headset but still will need
maintenance eventually, at which point you really have very little
guarantee that a replacement bearing will be available, although this
is much less of an issue with some headsets than others.

I'd either go with the King or the basic one myself.

Quoted message said:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a 1" threadless
headset to replace a threaded one I have on my commuter fixie. The
Seattle rain has started rusting/pitting out the bottom race, and I am
replacing the threaded fork with a threadless anyway, so it seems like
a good time to do it.

In my experience, cheaper, all-steel headsets last just as long if not
longer than more expensive cartridge-bearing headsets. A Dia-Compe STS
might be the ticket:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=33825280673&d=single&item_id=DC-STS1

On the other hand, King headsets have a following, and they support the
Portland Cross Crusade cyclocross series:
http://www.chrisking.com/events/events_races.html .

Jeff, near Portland, where it actually didn't rain for one day last
week.

Nate Knutson said:

These are your choices:

Pay about $130 for a King which you probably won't have to maintain or
think about in any way for many, many years of constant use.

I have seen relatively new King headsets in pretty sorry shape from
water infiltration. I don't think their stellar reputation is earned
with real results as much as with a successful guerilla marketing
campaign. (Headsets last so long with so little care that just about
any one of them could develop a reputation for phenomenal longevity if
sufficient "buzz" to that effect were circulated.)

If I remember correctly, King headsets use stainless steel bearing
cartridges, which makes them less of a conspicuously corroded mess
after they've taken on water than a headset with steel races would be,
but their bearing races become ruined just the same. There may be
headsets that are worth such a breathtaking price, but the King isn't
one of them. You can get a Woodman headset-- a much better headset
IMO-- for half the price.

Chalo Colina

New headset and a heavy grease job works. I spent
allmost all day light hours in the rain yesterday and it works for me.
And by the way I ride in New England in rain,ice,snow,and whatever
mother nature can knick at me.

Quoted message said:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a 1" threadless
headset to replace a threaded one I have on my commuter fixie. The
Seattle rain has started rusting/pitting out the bottom race, and I am
replacing the threaded fork with a threadless anyway, so it seems like
a good time to do it.

I would like something that has a great seal. I do not care about
weight, and hate replacing headsets so would like it to be as
indestructible as possible. But it seems silly to pay $100 for a
headset for my commuter bike.

Get an inexpensive 1 inch HS, like a Ritchey cup and ball($22), install
with a ton of boat grease and fashion a section of old MTB inner tube
that will cover the lower cup and top of fork. Slide it on before
installing the fork.

Quoted message said:

I look forward to any suggestions.

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front fender, as the
water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But it seems
like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset race, which
is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

Yep, get a full front fender. It will not only help the HS but also
help to keep you feet dryer.

Quoted message said:

If it seems like my questions revolve around rain, maybe it's becase
today was the 26th straight day of it here.

Thanks in advance,

Harrison

The "install it and forget it" concept of Kings is a falicy. They will
not warrantee HS's that have not been properly maintained. When I
asked about my "indexed steering" I got on a King HS - they asked me
how old, and when was the last overhaul. I said 5 years...and 5 years.
They said they would sell me replacement parts, but that I needed to
re-pack bearings every year to get their replacement warrantee.

Andrew F Martin said:

The "install it and forget it" concept of Kings is a falicy. They will
not warrantee HS's that have not been properly maintained. When I
asked about my "indexed steering" I got on a King HS - they asked me
how old, and when was the last overhaul. I said 5 years...and 5 years.
They said they would sell me replacement parts, but that I needed to
re-pack bearings every year to get their replacement warrantee.

Just like they tell you in the instructions.

"Maintenance CHRIS KING HEADSETS are designed to provide the maximum
life of any headset with a minimum of maintenance. Besides an
occasional adjustment, the only service necessary is an occasional
cleaning and regreasing of the bearings. Riding conditions will dictate
how often to service your headset. In wet conditions, service may be
necessary as often as every 6 months; in dry conditions, up to every 5
years."

Most people would rather believe what they heard as opposed to the
straight dope.

Robin Hubert

Robin Hubert said:

Andrew F Martin said:

The "install it and forget it" concept of Kings is a falicy. They will
not warrantee HS's that have not been properly maintained. When I
asked about my "indexed steering" I got on a King HS - they asked me
how old, and when was the last overhaul. I said 5 years...and 5 years.
They said they would sell me replacement parts, but that I needed to
re-pack bearings every year to get their replacement warrantee.

Just like they tell you in the instructions.

"Maintenance CHRIS KING HEADSETS are designed to provide the maximum
life of any headset with a minimum of maintenance. Besides an
occasional adjustment, the only service necessary is an occasional
cleaning and regreasing of the bearings. Riding conditions will dictate
how often to service your headset. In wet conditions, service may be
necessary as often as every 6 months; in dry conditions, up to every 5
years."

IMO, *any* half decent headset will last a long time if maintained as
CK suggests. I think the high price of CK headsets tends to make people
pay attention to maintaining them. Which leads to a longer life and
feeds the "legend" of their longevity.

Quoted message said:

Most people would rather believe what they heard as opposed to the
straight dope.

Robin Hubert

Qui si parla Campagnolo said:

Quoted message said:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a 1" threadless
headset to replace a threaded one I have on my commuter fixie. The
Seattle rain has started rusting/pitting out the bottom race, and I am
replacing the threaded fork with a threadless anyway, so it seems like
a good time to do it.

I would like something that has a great seal. I do not care about
weight, and hate replacing headsets so would like it to be as
indestructible as possible. But it seems silly to pay $100 for a
headset for my commuter bike.

Get an inexpensive 1 inch HS, like a Ritchey cup and ball($22), install
with a ton of boat grease and fashion a section of old MTB inner tube
that will cover the lower cup and top of fork. Slide it on before
installing the fork.

yup, that works! cartridge headsets are good though if the expense is
acceptable.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I look forward to any suggestions.

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front fender, as the
water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But it seems
like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset race, which
is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

Yep, get a full front fender. It will not only help the HS but also
help to keep you feet dryer.

Quoted message said:

If it seems like my questions revolve around rain, maybe it's becase
today was the 26th straight day of it here.

Thanks in advance,

Harrison

Ozark Bicycle said:

Robin Hubert said:

Andrew F Martin said:

The "install it and forget it" concept of Kings is a falicy. They will
not warrantee HS's that have not been properly maintained. When I
asked about my "indexed steering" I got on a King HS - they asked me
how old, and when was the last overhaul. I said 5 years...and 5 years.
They said they would sell me replacement parts, but that I needed to
re-pack bearings every year to get their replacement warrantee.

Just like they tell you in the instructions.

"Maintenance CHRIS KING HEADSETS are designed to provide the maximum
life of any headset with a minimum of maintenance. Besides an
occasional adjustment, the only service necessary is an occasional
cleaning and regreasing of the bearings. Riding conditions will dictate
how often to service your headset. In wet conditions, service may be
necessary as often as every 6 months; in dry conditions, up to every 5
years."

IMO, *any* half decent headset will last a long time if maintained as
CK suggests. I think the high price of CK headsets tends to make people
pay attention to maintaining them. Which leads to a longer life and
feeds the "legend" of their longevity.

My shop experience tells me otherwise. People believe the hype and
wonder what happened when the bearings go south.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Most people would rather believe what they heard as opposed to the
straight dope.

Robin Hubert

Robin Hubert said:

Ozark Bicycle said:

IMO, *any* half decent headset will last a long time if maintained as
CK suggests. I think the high price of CK headsets tends to make people
pay attention to maintaining them. Which leads to a longer life and
feeds the "legend" of their longevity.

My shop experience tells me otherwise. People believe the hype and
wonder what happened when the bearings go south.

A fortunate (for King Cycle Group) result of their being the first
headset on the market with replaceable cartridge bearings was that
Chris King headsets were the first that folks were able to keep after
the bearings failed completely. I bet this contributed greatly to
their perception of unusual longevity, notwithstanding the fact that
King headset replacement bearings cost more than most entire headsets.

Chalo Colina

Per [email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

The
Seattle rain has started rusting/pitting out the bottom race, and I am
replacing the threaded fork with a threadless anyway, so it seems like
a good time to do it.

Depending on what's on the surface you're riding on, breathing that aerosol
might not be the best thing for you. The second or third sickest I ever got
was immediately after paddling a kayak in 30-45 mph winds down in Hatteras - and
inhaling the spindrift...
--
PeteCresswell

Per Ozark Bicycle:

Quoted message said:

IMO, *any* half decent headset will last a long time if maintained as
CK suggests.

My utility bike is an original Stumpie. Maybe not ridden continuously for all
those years, but ridden plenty nevertheless. Original headset bearings, no
problems.
--
PeteCresswell

Thanks for the advice all.

harrisonm said:

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front fender, as the
water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But it seems
like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset race, which
is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

Others have made good suggestions about which headset. Any headset that's
reasonably well sealed and serviced regularly should do. But have you
tried a cover? It won't be a perfect waterproof seal, but it will help
keep dirt out. Neoprene covers with velcro (Sealskins?) used to be
common, but a section of old mountain bike innertube is a good substitute.

Also, use Phil Wood, boat trailer wheel bearing grease, or marine grease
from a marine hardware store. These will resist washing out much better
than others.

Finally, you might try to find an old WTB or Suntour headset with grease
ports. It won't keep dirt from washing in, but if you lube frequently it
will push most of the dirt out.

Matt O.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

harrisonm said:

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front

fender, as the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But

it seems

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset

race, which

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

Others have made good suggestions about which headset. Any

headset that's

Quoted message said:

reasonably well sealed and serviced regularly should do. But

have you

Quoted message said:

tried a cover? It won't be a perfect waterproof seal, but it

will help

Quoted message said:

keep dirt out. Neoprene covers with velcro (Sealskins?) used

to be

Quoted message said:

common, but a section of old mountain bike innertube is a good

substitute.

Quoted message said:

Also, use Phil Wood, boat trailer wheel bearing grease, or

marine grease

Quoted message said:

from a marine hardware store. These will resist washing out

much better

Quoted message said:

than others.

Finally, you might try to find an old WTB or Suntour headset

with grease

Quoted message said:

ports. It won't keep dirt from washing in, but if you lube

frequently it

Quoted message said:

will push most of the dirt out.

I think a front fender goes a long way to keeping the headset
clean. If the OP is riding regularly in Seattle, he should make
the investment in fenders -- especially this year. -- Jay
Beattie.

Jay Beattie said:

I think a front fender goes a long way to keeping the headset clean. If
the OP is riding regularly in Seattle, he should make the investment in
fenders -- especially this year. -- Jay Beattie.

Agreed. I can't imagine not having fenders if I rode in the rain
regularly.

Matt O.

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

A somewhat related question: I have never used a front fender, as the
water projecting from the front tire never bothered me. But it seems
like that jet of water can't be good for the bottom headset race, which
is the one carrying most of the load. Thoughts on this?

I've been told that the way to make your headset last a really, really long
time is to use a front fender. I use one on my commuter to keep me cleaner
than I would be without one. The headset has about 3k miles, not alot, on it
with no signs of a premature death.
----------------
Alex

Jay Beattie said:

I think a front fender goes a long way to keeping the headset
clean. If the OP is riding regularly in Seattle, he should make
the investment in fenders -- especially this year. -- Jay
Beattie.

I'll add a "Me too" to that. Having no fenders in Seattle in the
winter is daft. Even if you avoid riding in the rain, riding on wet
roads will get spray and road junk everywhere.

I'm a year round commuter here and I haven't had headset problems yet.
I can't claim any particularly good maintenance as the reason either,
since I overhaul my headset very infrequently.

--
Dane Buson - [email hidden]
Imagine that Cray computer decides to make a personal computer. It has
a 150 MHz processor, 200 megabytes of RAM, 1500 megabytes of disk
storage, a screen resolution of 4096 x 4096 pixels, relies entirely on
voice recognition for input, fits in your shirt pocket and costs $300.
What's the first question that the computer community asks?

"Is it PC compatible?"