jonnouk – you’ve been using a headset that can be picked up for 25 quid? For 7 years? And its still going? And you’ve replaced one set of bearings in that time? In a country where stuff spends 90% of the year caked in filth with the consistency of grinding paste?
So we’re looking at a cost to you of £3.50 a year. And you regard this quality and life-span as unacceptable?
Just out of interest – how long do you expect a drive chain to last?
Suggsey asked for a well-sealed headset. The orbit xl2 isn’t. De-gritting the lower shell and re-packing with grease is part of my regular maintenance. Every now and then I pop the seals on the bearings and repack too. Why MTB headset mftrs don’t copy dirtbike headsets beats me.
As for the chain? I usually ultra-sonic it after every ride if it’s been in a wet & gritty ride. Current PC991 has lasted me a year so far. Previous Wipperman lasted 4.
When it comes to MTB’s I use parts until they are properly stuffed.