WTB Momentum C Headset

[Mr Scruff]

Was some play in my headset so took it apart to make sure everything was ok... Looked at the bottom bearing set which was meant to be sealed but very much wasn't! Bearings rusted and pitted; even when cleaned and packed full of grease they're still not running smoothly.

The headset is a WTB Momentum C, standard 1 1/8".

Is it worth getting spare bearing sets for these? Anyone know where I might be able to get it from? Looking on the web hasn't come up with many options, and, going buy the number of poor reviews the headset has had, it is time for a new one?

I don't really get on with my LBS, what sizing information would I need to get a new one/spares? Bike is an Ellsworth Joker.... Everything seems to be wearing out at once, guess that's the way of things!!

[snotrag]

Yes, you will nbe able to get replacement bearings to suit.

However, you'd be miles better off buying a headset with Sealed bearings. They dont cost much - Even a £25 Marts Sealed (Madison own brand) one will be an improvement.

[Mr Scruff]

Any idea what measurements I need to have in order not to be laughed out of the bike shop...?

[snotrag]

None, you have it all there.

Ask for a 1 and 1/8th Inch, Sealed bearing, Aheadset.

Sealed bearing.

Marts probably the cheapest, FSA do a range from about £25 up, as do WTB, Canecreek, etc. Hope, Raceface etc have models for ~ ^60, Chris King at ~ £100.

Any of them will likely be absolutely fine, just so long as you get sealed cartridge bearings.

[Parrot of Doom]

It might also be an idea to have your headtube faced if it isn't already.

http://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/ should be good for the bearings.

Have you installed a headset before? They can be a massive PITA if you haven't. Lots of hammering.

I'd also recommend is this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

The star fangled nut has to be one of the most stupid designs on the planet, that looks like a good replacement.

Edited by Parrot of Doom on Thursday 16th April 00:07

[Mr Scruff]

Last time I fiddled with a headset it was on my P7 and it was a quill stem!

Went to LBS today and they thought it would be a pain to get the bearings replaced on the WTB; they suggested the local bearing company but apparently it's all a bit too pitted and generally shafted to get the bearings replaced.

Bless 'em, they went though a couple of alternatives, suggesting that the Chris King might be a good idea as I'm quite hard on my bike and it gets ridden in all conditions! Went though the range of FSA ones too.

So, need a new headset, I'm told it's just a 'standard' one and I might be best off sourcing one off the interweb as likely to be cheaper than they can source from.

Worth saying that, having previously been unimpressed with my LBS I was most impressed today - guess 'cos it wasn't busy...

[snotrag]

Mr Scruff said:

Worth saying that, having previously been unimpressed with my LBS I was most impressed today - guess 'cos it wasn't busy...

There only Human...! Thats bery honest of them to send you off to the net if they cant beat it.

I'd suggest what you do is - Get online, buy yourself a headset that suits your budget.

Once its ordered, book the bike into their workshop, get them to fit it, provide them £££ and cake, and you'll be away, with a properly fitted headset, at a decent price, you'll be happy, they'll be happy.

Go for one of these perhaps if you can afford it -
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

Chris Kings are showing a few nasty habits when mated up to modern longer travel forks.]
They have a reputation as being miles better than everything else. Thing is - this reputation was gained years ago, when everything else WAS crap.