Headset Bearings

[marting]

I stupidly took apart the headset on my commuter (Giant Escape R2) on Sunday to resolve the play in the steering. It uses caged bearings and they were completely knackered so I thought I'd pop down the LBS and get a couple of new cages.

However it looks like Giant have used some odd sized cages. After visiting no less than 6 cycling shops (!!) I cant get hold of any that are the same size. I'm thinking of just putting some loose bearings in the races avec some grease. Lacking a caliper, I cant measure the current bearings to work out what ones to buy. Can anyone advise what sizes are normally in headsets? I cant find this on sheldon browns site.

I was thinking buying a few bags of loose bearings off ebay, hopefully one set will fit. Which sizes should I go for? Or am I better off asking the LBS to stick a cartridge on for me?

P.S. Its painful using my roadie to commute 2 miles!

[gazza285]

Usually 3/16ths.

[walm]

I found the only way to do this is to call the manufacturer.
And make sure you know which model year your bike is from, frame size etc...
Even then I am not 100% sure I got the right part.

[itsnotarace]

Are they not sealed drop-in type bearings? Any markings on the headset itself?

[marting]

itsnotarace said:

Are they not sealed drop-in type bearings? Any markings on the headset itself?

Nope, it looks like this:

[itsnotarace]

You'd need to take it to a Giant stockist then mate, preferably one of the larger stockists too rather than your average high street. Someone like Pedalon?

[marting]

Why is nothing easy!

[BalhamBadger]

Have you tried the FSA headset finder on their website?

[itsnotarace]

marting said:

Why is nothing easy!

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/dealers/

[gazza285]

Look like 3/16ths to me.

[uncinqsix]

My Giant CFR (late 90s vintage) has 5/32" bearings in the headset. I replaced the cages with loose balls.

[47p2]

Your LBS (not large chain stores) should have a ball-bearing sizing gauge, once you know the correct size throw the race cages away and fill the bearing seat with new ball-bearings of the correct size, remember to leave a small gap of 1-2 ball-bearings to allow movement

[47p2]

Some useful information from Sheldon Brown here


Scroll down to the part which says:-

said:

Once you have removed the fork, you can check the condition of cartridge bearings by turning them with your fingers.

[marting]

Thanks guys, I ordered some 5/32's and 16ths last night. Hopefully one set will do the trick!
Sounds like 32's could be spot on

[marting]

47p2 said:

Your LBS (not large chain stores) should have a ball-bearing sizing gauge, once you know the correct size throw the race cages away and fill the bearing seat with new ball-bearings of the correct size, remember to leave a small gap of 1-2 ball-bearings to allow movement

Looks like something my toolbox needs...

[uncinqsix]

marting said:

Looks like something my toolbox needs...

A set of verniers would be more useful overall!

[47p2]

uncinqsix said:

A set of verniers would be more useful overall!

Not for measuring small ball-bearings, the ruler with holes is best for that

[uncinqsix]

47p2 said:

Not for measuring small ball-bearings, the ruler with holes is best for that

I had no difficulty using verniers for that. With a bike, you're going to be looking at one of a very small number of standard sizes, and it doesn't require a lot of accuracy to tell a 5/32 from a 3/16 from a 1/4. And you can use the verniers for other useful stuff like measuring fasteners

[marting]

So, in-case anyone else as a similar problem... the Giant Escape R2 uses 5/32" bearings for the stock headset