Sadly the fifty quid bike I built and hoped to race all this summer is no more. Well it is but I need a new cassette and chain so it’s just doubled in value 😕

And twenty two quid of the fifty went on a sale Crank Bros headset. And I can report that after just three rides (10 hours) it’s coated in rust. And that’s the visible cups. Bloody dreadfull.

I find cheap chains last about one wet woburn ride before the tool says they’re stretched and need binning. Cheap sport this ain’t.

CB make a steel headset?

CB make a steel headset?

Didn’t think of that, but yep top and bottom cups covered in rust blisters.

Someone elses.

Specks of rust have been appearing on the outside of the cups. £80 headsets shouldn’t start developing specks of rust after the first outing in light rain. Both cups have rust just like this all over them. Looking closely reveals many more dark brown areas that might look like mud, but are actually more areas of rust developing. The back of the lower cup is completely covered in rust.

Just like to make it clear that I am not the cb with rusty spots on my bottom….

Yes you are.

Arse. I’ve just fitted one of those CB Cobalts from CRC. The blurb suggests they are stainless cups. Apparently not then.

“pops out to inspect and wipe with engine oil”

OP – Shocking! 😯

Can I ask why you chose a steel HS in the first place?

*makes mental note NOT to buy any CB product of any material*

Didn’t think for one minute that it was steel. I thought the Cobalt was the lightweight XC offering?

Where did you buy from? Quick check on crc quotes 5 yr warranty…pop em out, send em back?

Now I’ve read about them I wouldn’t bother with a warranty replacement.

you should send a detailed review into the mag

I’m sure they will add it to the “grinder” section 😉

Crank bros kit is one of those rarities in that it is all actually as shit as we suspect. Also everyone’s agrees on the fact that it’s shit. Well done CB, STW agrees on something! 😀

I’ve got two of those headsets. they do get rust spots but for mine at least it’s only cosmetic and they’re still perfectly smooth. I’d be unhappy at full price but I’m OK with it at £20 each.

I really am massively tight arsed. I’ve just got the biggest bonus ever. I don’t think there’s a bike I couldn’t buy. Yet I’ve just been on CRC looking for bars for fifty quid bike and searched by lowest price first 😮

wtb greaseguard.