Forum menu
Where on earth do I buy a pair of these for the tapered steerer on my Trek X-Caliber? I can find plenty of 1-1/8" but not clear whether they are all a standard size or not. And I can't find any 1.5" at all. Trek do a whole headset inc cups and bits, for a 2024 Marlin but it's £30 and still not clear if it will fit. I just want a cheap solution so I can put the thing back together and sell it!
You don't need the cage. Size the balls and fill with loose balls and lots of grease
Back in the cup and cone days this was common practice on new headsets and bottom brackets anyway
Does the headset have any logos or markings? If not, trek often have pretty good info on their website for what's actually in the bikes, if you check the year and exact model.
You said caged headset bearings, that's pretty uncommon for trek though? More often than not they use these ones for their mountain bikes
If you cant find the right caged bearings just put a bead of grease round the cup and fill it with loose bearings (normally until contact minus 1)
You said caged headset bearings, that’s pretty uncommon for trek though?
The cheap ones have cages ball bearings rather than cartridge bearings to keep costs down.
It's definitely caged bearings, and it was definitely a low(er) end Trek. Unfortunately the spec page just says 1-1/8 and 1.5" so not overly helpful. Guess I'll buy myself some vernier calipers and go the loose route, thanks!
I'd be tempted to hit wiggle and see if they still have a £2 headset to fit.
Failing that, get some new balls the right size fro Halfords & bung them in loose. The grease will hold them during assembly.
one little tip when filling with loose balls, don't fill it jam packed with balls. Usually one less than you think. You don't want them being forced to rub together.