Trying to identify lower headset bearings

How do I know which headset bearings I need?

If you have the stock or original headset bearings, you can measure the outside diameter of those bearings to be sure. You'll likely find numbers like: 41mm, 41.8mm (we round up and label this 42mm), 47mm, and 52mm.

Can I replace headset bearings with sealed bearings?

Sealed bearings can be replaced so your headset will likely last as long as you keep the bike it's installed on.

What is a zero stack headtube?

ZS (Zero Stack)

The internal headset uses bearings that sit below or at least flush with the headtube (figure 3). This system is also called Zero Stack, or semi-integrated. There is a removable cup that holds and supports the bearing in the headtube. The cup uses the top or bottom edge of the headtube as a stop.

Should you grease headset bearings?

The headset bearings are one of the most common points to grease and it is advisable that in addition to greasing the bearings, you also grease the fork crown and in the frame where they sit, as well as the rest of the steering parts, but you must be careful not to grease the steerer tube at the point the stem is ...

How long should headset bearings last?

Every 30 years, whether they need it or not. It should be noted headset bearings -- at least the old "threaded" style -- can come completely apart (all the balls fall out) without severely impairing the handling of the bike (though certainly this condition would drive a "bike nut" crazy).

Can you put a tapered fork on a non tapered frame?

In most cases, yes. However; with the introduction of certain models from Cane Creek, tapered forks can be run in two straight head tubes.

Can you fit a tapered fork to a straight steerer?

If you happen to have a straight steerer fork, there are simple adapters that will allow them to fit a 1.5 Tapered frame, and you can fit a 1.5 Tapered fork into a 1.5 straight head tube frame, but you cannot put a 1.5 tapered fork into a 1 1/8” straight steerer frame.

Are Sealed bearings better?

Sealed is better, requires less maintenance, and is overall better. It also has a rubber seal on it to keep dirt and water out. They are typically pressed into a hub or BB with a bearing press or rubber mallet or something else that won't damage the bearings.

Can I replace loose bearings with caged bearings?

No, they are not better than loose balls. Caged balls are spaced out evenly, but have fewer balls in total which means fewer balls sharing the load, so they are said to wear out quicker. With loose balls, you need to leave a little bit of room for them to move, so you'd put in one less than fills the whole cup.

What size are my headset bearings?

The bearings are a slip fit into the frame. The common 1-1/8 inch standard has a bearing outside diameter of nominally 41.8mm with a 45-degree bearing seat.

What does is42 mean?

In Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy we learn that the answer to everything is 42. 42, split up, is 'shi' (Chinese version) and 'ni' in Japanese. Put together 'shini' can be written in kanji as 死に, which means 'to die'.

Why is there play in my headset?

If the headset is loose, you'll feel the play when you do this. Headsets usually become loose because one of the headset pieces changed positions, or as a result of the stem and top nut loosening. To fix this requires tightening and locking the adjustment so it stays in place.

How do I identify my headset?

In most cases you can simply look at the top cover of the headset, all Cane Creek headsets are clearly identified with a model name in this area. OEM headsets may not have a model name or much information at all.

How are threaded headset sizes measured?

Measure the inside and outside diameter of the fork at the top where the stem goes in – if the outer dimension is 25.0 mm and the internal dimension is 22.0 mm the headset you require is French. If it is 25.4 mm on the outside and 22.2 mm on the inside then it is ISO/JIS.

How do you measure the diameter of a head tube?

You need to measure it in two places. The outside diameter (OD) of the top section (where the stem clamps around, as in the above pic) and the outside diameter of the very bottom bit where the steerer goes into the fork crown (where the headset crown race sits, as in the pic below).

Are all threaded headsets the same size?

Threaded headset sizes are designated by the outer diameter of the steering column. This can seem confusing, because the head cups do not measure the named standard. The threaded standards are 1 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-1/4 inch headsets. The various standards are generally not interchangeable.

What is Italian thread headset?

Italian headsets are virtually the same as ISO. The crown race ID is 26.5mm rather than 26.4mm and the threads are a tiny bit different, but ISO headsets are so close that they work absolutely perfectly on Italian frames. French sized frames use a 25.0mm steerer with a 22.0mm ID.

Why is there play in my headset?

Are all bike bearings the same size?

Bearing sizing

There are a few common sizes. Headsets and pedals tend to be 5/32”. Front hubs tend to be 3/16”. Rear hubs and bottom brackets tend to be 1/4”.

Are all bicycle crank bearings the same size?

While modern road cranks are compatible with many different types of bottom bracket shells, some combinations are better than others. Shimano (left) and GXP (right) crank axles share the same diameter — 24mm — however the end of each axle is quite distinct.