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Hi, I have been given a lovely Cotic frame. The lower headset cup is shagged- it has a chunk missing and the bearings are broken. Should I get a new Hope lower, or replace the whole thing, in the anticipation that the top might also be a bit screwed.
£40 Hope lower, £26 FSA whole thing. It’s a conventional 1 1/8 straight jobbie.
I'd just get a new one. I'll replace cartridge bearing, but anything more than that, replace. Also the case if it's a cheap headset with loose balls, chance to upgrade. In fact I need a new one for this reason.
It’s a Hope headset so pretty decent.
Stick the FSA one in. I've had years out of mine in the past and the bearings are easily and cheaply replaced if needed
The top bearing is probably fine, it's the bottom one that takes all the abuse (especially if it's been run without a decent mudguard).
I'd probably buy Hope from scratch for a modern frame, but in your case I'd suggest Nukeproof. I've had one of their bottom cups in my current frame for three years, still on the original bearing. Split race, same size bearing as Hope (I think; that's certainly what I seem to have in the spares box). Either way, great for the price:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/nukeproof-neutron-bottom-headset-cup/rp-prod124574
Good idea Montgomery but miss matching cups would put my teeth on edge.