Does anyone understand headsets?

[pembo]

I need to replace my headset, up until now I've gotten away with just replacing the bearings but the whole thing is in a sorry state so I should probably replace the whole thing.

It currently has an FSA TH-28 Intellaset, I would oprobably just replace like for like but a quick google finds nothing for sale.

Does anyone have any idea what I can replace it with? There seem to be so many options I just can't work it out.

[47p2]

Try this link

[P-Jay]

To be frank, headsets are one of those things I'm more than happy to hand over to a bike shop for buying advice and certainly fitting.

[Captain Answer]

Just doing bearings and adjusting is hard enough, took an hour to get my GF's stty halfords MTB sorted last year then when i felt it "drop in" i couldn't reach my tools to tighten. A vigarous shout to my step son for help was needed that day!

[gazza285]

Like this?



It's a bog standard 1&1/8" headset, loads available, how much do you want to spend?

[pembo]

I tried the link 47p2, it seems the only bike make they don't deal with is Genesis :/

It's similar Gazza, the top bit isn't as big, I think that's a 'pro' and mine is that standard one.

As little as possible, I use it for commuting every single day so in 2 and a half years I've gone through 3 sets of bearings. If spending a little more would mean it would last longer it might be worth it. I'm guessing I should be able to do it for around £20?

[chrisga]

3 sets of bearings in 2 years? I've never worn out a bearing in a headset in all my years of riding. Either the seals on that one are really rubbish or its not adjusted correctly or something. If you have a friendly LBS I'd ask their advice and get them to fit a decent one.

[pembo]

Sorry I've just worked out it's 3 and a half years. It has dealt with it's fair share of grime, approx 1000 rides in all weather including a fair few cyclocross races, hosed down and sprayed with a bit of GT85 every couple of weeks.

[chrisga]

Do you spray the hose into the bearings? I was always advised to not spray water into any bearings. They should be packed with grease. I also think, but may be wrong, that gt85 breaks down grease. It isn't a lubricant but should help disperse the water that's now in the headset.

When you've put new bearings in have you put them in greased?

[gazza285]

We used to dread the "ride to work" bikes in the shop, they were out in all weathers, wet road filth coated, which then dries to a grimy coat, big miles and poor maintenance usually meant that everything was shagged.

You need one with a good set of seals, so I'd recommend the old favourite, Hope. A bit more than £20, in fact a lot more, but second hand ones are available on EBay...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302218860843

Either that or search for a 1 & 1/8 headset and take your pick...

[47p2]

What model and year is the Genesis?

[Fluffsri]

Hope headset! Nearly fit and forget lol, my oldest one is 10 years old and still going.

[pembo]

Model year is a 2012.

Yes Chris, as Gazza has said, it doesn't get treated particularly well. It was well packed with grease each time it was replaced but an attempt to displace the water after the hose down may have contributed to the breakdown of the grease.

It looks like it should be easy enough to find a replacement then but to aid my stupidity on this matter would this work:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-FSA-ORBIT-MX-1-1-8-I...

Sealed bearings would be my preferred option but I'm unsure about the tapered shape at the bottom of that headset.

I see where you're coming from about hope but my current budget is a bit low so I'd rather see how I go at the lower end of the budget and possibly upgrade at a later date if this still doesn't last.

[47p2]