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hi there,
i've got a [b]cannondale rush sl 6z 2008-2009[/b] model that's having some issues with the current headset.
i run a [b]rock shox recon 327[/b] fork and i believe there are some reducers from 1.5'' to 1 1/8'' on the bike because i found on the web that the bike has 1.5'' width.
i'm tired of cleaning and re-greasing the headset every month because of the water that turns into mud and rust.
are there any solutions that you can advise me of?
is there anyone out there having the same trouble?????
thanks in advance
chris.
ps i have no intention on changing the fork,only want to solve the rust problem inside the headset!
The Hope pic n mix headsets should solve your problems (have fitted to a Cannondale Prophet - which I think has the same 1.5" head tube)
If there is rust in the bearings they are worn out.
Who makes the headset? Cane creek, hope, another? Replacement bearings should be available. Cane creek standard 40 series bearings are about £15 for a set of 1.25" or about the same for the 1.5" lower bearing.
I change mine about yearly. Stainless bearings are also available which will last longer but are normally about twice the price. I'm running a stainless lower bearing and standard steel upper bearing at the moment, based on the fact the lower bearing takes more of a beating from water and grit I'm hoping it might last a bit longer.
You change your headset bearings yearly? 😯
My bearings are about 8 years old now.
Can I suggest that you get a lower headset seal? You can make one out of an old inner tube or better get an old neoprene shock boot and cut a strip about 1.5" wide then wrap this around the lower cup. Stops a lot of spray entering the headset. After a wet ride, remove to allow headset to dry.
Not intentionally.. I mean it's not like I set out to change them that often.
Both my current bikes are around a year old (One about 13months, the other about 11) Both headsets had knackered bearings. The commuter admittedly only had cheapie bearings and I do give it some stick off road with a rigid fork and skinny tyres, but the amount of play in the lower one was comical.
The MTB on the other hand.. it's the grit I guess. Hopefully the SS bearing will last longer.
Not sure a boot would help me much; it's an integrated lower bearing so the fork crown is right up against the frame. I think a boot would just ride up. I do try and use the bender-fender guard when it's really wet though.
#ExpensiveBusinessRidingBikes
use a good waterproof grease to pack around the outside of the bearing before you push the crown race up to it then wipe away anything that oozes out to prevent grit from getting trapped in it.
Make it routine maintenance to drop the forks and clean and refresh the grease, especially after a lot of riding in messy conditions. Absolutely no reason a decent (ie not failed as it's a cheap bearing that can't take the loading) bearing should not last years and years with just a little bit of basic tlc.
The rubber seal on crown races like the Hope ones do help keep the crap out (and packing grease in).
thank you all for the replies!
after much thinking i decided to stay with the current setup and not invest any more money to something that's probably going to happen again!
i used lots of [b]marine grade grease[/b] that's been used on the trailor wheels that go inside the water!
i found Evinrude tripple grease excellent for the headset!!
i believe it doesn't matter as long as it stays waterproof!