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Specifically for headsets this time.
Headset manufacturers presumably don't manufacture their own but buy them in from an actual bearing manufacturer. The quality and longevity variation of headsets presumably means some buy in quality and others don't. Bearing manufacturers such as skf have always had a good rep but who makes the cartridge bearings in say a Chris King or a Hope headset?
I know you can buy some replacement bearings from the big online bike shops but does anyone go directly to a bearing retailer and if so who? I've used Simply Bearings in the past for non bike stuff but is there anywhere better.
I was told by a man who's been rebuilding racing two stroke engines since about forever that while SKF and FAG are "ok" proper Japanese Koyo bearings are the ones to use if you want longevity in your engines.
I've no data to back this up, but no reason to doubt him.
Your mileage may vary with bicycle applications though.
I always pop the seal out on head set bearings (particularly lower) and fill with marine grease. They then rotate little so I just make sure they're is no void within the bearings for water and muck to get into.
Slight hijack but with FS frame bearings is it wise to buy OEM or should i seek out other manufacturers?
There is a huge range in price and i assume quality. Are the two directly related?
What should i buy?
Thanks
Ian
Chris King make a pretty big deal about making their own bearings and, I think, cane creek do too, for the posher headsets anyway.
Wych Bearings always seem to have good stock and offer a good mail order service.
Kinetic Bike Bearings.
Local company to me with a good reputation.
Wych Bearings always seem to have good stock and offer a good mail order service.
Cheaper from kinetic, just ask wyche where they get their bicycle specific bearings from 😉
Kinetic Bike Bearings on eBay for me. They’ve always had everything I’ve needed and been dead fast delivery.
Bearing manufacturers such as skf have always had a good rep but who makes the cartridge bearings in say a Chris King or a Hope headset?
I just put a Hope stainless lower bearing into my Works Components headset (same size - very convenient!) Picked up an old stock bearing which is made by Enduro but branded Hope on the outside. I believe that Hope have changed bearing suppliers more than once however, so don't take it as gospel that they are all the same!
I tend to use varying suppliers (Wych, Kinetic, Aire Velo Bearings) depending on what I'm after and who has got them in. I now only use stainless bearings on everything as it's corrosion that kills them for me, not wear, so I get longer out of them as a result.
Kinetic for me. Used them for frame and wheel bearings now and both are very good quality. Delivery is spot on and free. Royal mail failed to deliver 1 set and Kinetic just sent out another set foc with no quibble.
Use this guy from his ebay shop. Think they are packed or repacked with better grease
https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/trail-vision?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
Kinetic are good especially with more unusual sizes, I needed a 51.9 a while back, kinetic sorted me out, Simply Bearings prices are steep, winstanleys in wigan are good for enduro frame pivot and wheel bearings.
Slight hijack but with FS frame bearings is it wise to buy OEM or should i seek out other manufacturers?
There is a huge range in price and i assume quality. Are the two directly related?
What should i buy?
ive just got some S&S bearings that are factory fit for my stumpy. they seem comparable quality to enduro and actually have grease in them! still repacked them though.